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BPW Resources
This section includes links that answer some of the most frequently asked questions about procurement and doing business with the State of Maryland.
Tools for Doing Business in Maryland:
eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)
eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) - When the State wants to buy goods and services, it issues solicitations detailing what is needed, technical requirements, and other key details. All active solicitations and awarded contracts are posted on eMMA, Maryland’s online procurement platform. To bid on State contracts, vendors must be registered on eMMA. Your eMMA profile includes information about the products and/or services that your business offers and your service area. This vendor database is public and searchable, allowing other vendors and State agencies to find new businesses who offer specific products and services.
Maryland Business Express
Maryland Business Express - The Department of Assessments & Taxation’s (SDAT) Maryland Business Express is the one-stop shop to plan, start, manage, and grow your business.
State of Maryland Procurement Forecast
State of Maryland Procurement Forecast - The State’s Procurement Forecast provides current and prospective vendors with projected purchases for the current Fiscal Year, along with Agency contact information. This is a useful tool in learning what kind of items the State procures and how often and whom to contact to learn more about what the different agencies need.
Free Small and Minority - Owned Business Training:
Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs (GOSBA)
Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs (GOSBA) - GOSBA connects the small business community to greater economic opportunities in both the public and private sectors, while implementing and monitoring small, minority, women, and veteran preference procurement programs across 70 state agencies. GOSBA regularly hosts free webinars and trainings explaining topics such as the basics of State procurement, digital marketing, business financial literacy, and how to become a subcontractor. The office also collects and publishes data from each agency on their annual progress towards the State’s MBE, SBE, and VSBE goals.
Maryland APEX Accelerator
Maryland APEX Accelerator (formerly Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center) - Maryland APEX Accelerator provides no-cost small business counseling, training, and other valuable resources to Maryland-based small businesses in the government contracting sector.
For Nonprofit Organizations:
Capital Grants & Loans Program
Capital Grants & Loans Program is administered by the Department of General Services through delegation by the Board of Public Works, which is responsible for processing and reviewing grant agreements, payments, and closeouts for capital projects funded through a Legislative Bond Initiative or Administration Initiative in the Capital Budget.
Maryland Nonprofits
Maryland Nonprofits (formerly Maryland Association of Nonprofits) provides resources and trainings to promote a robust nonprofit sector in Maryland.
Maryland Procurement Preference Programs:
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program - The State’s MBE Program was established to increase opportunities for minority- and women-owned business within State contracting. The State has a 29% participation goal for MBEs, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. If your business is minority- or women-owned, you must be certified with the State of Maryland to participate. Certification is free and managed by the Office of Minority Business Enterprise.
Employment Works Program (Maryland Works)
Employment Works Program (Maryland Works) - Maryland Works, Inc., coordinates contracting activity between the State of Maryland, Community Service Providers, and people with Disability Owned Businesses through the Employment Works Program. This preference program requires State agencies to consider these vendors first before publishing a public bid on eMMA. If you would like to become a community service provider or are an individual with disability owned business, contact Maryland Works for more information about the qualifications and requirements.
Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program
Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program - The State’s SBR Program provides small businesses with the opportunity to participate as prime contractors by establishing a unique marketplace where small businesses compete with other small businesses instead of larger companies. State agencies are required to spend at least 15% of their contracting dollars with certified small businesses. SBR certification is free and easy to complete through your eMMA profile.
Office of Minority Business Enterprise
Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Minority Business Enterprise manages certification of all businesses participating in the State’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Programs. There are different eligibility rules for each program, including business size and income.
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise Program
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program - The State’s VSBE Program provides contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesses. The State has a 1% participation goal for VSBEs, either as prime or subcontractors. VSBE certification is free and easy to complete through your eMMA profile.