On April 10, 2012 US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the launch of a DOT Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program during DOT’s Small Business Day: Moving Forward. This pilot program was created to enhance the capability of minority and small business owners to successfully compete for and perform in federal procurement opportunities. Managed by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), the program will provide an opportunity for small businesses to create strategic alliances with successful large or prime contractors to receive technical assistance and move their businesses to the next level. Joined onstage with SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns, Secretary LaHood remarked, “This new program is an important part of President Obama’s plan to create an America that’s ‘built to last’ – an America where everyone has a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. We want every company, no matter how big or small, and no matter who owns it; to have a chance to do the work America needs done; and we’re fighting every day to put people to work rebuilding our transportation network.” By encouraging and supporting private-sector relationships, DOT is expanding its efforts to identify and respond to the developmental needs of small and minority owned businesses. Through the pilot program, large and prime contractors will establish an agreement with small businesses to provide developmental assistance in areas such as project management, financial assistance, technical support, marketing techniques, cooperation on Joint Venture projects, and rent-free use of facilities among others. Mentor-Protégé agreements can be established for a maximum of 24 months. The mentor can be a business that has graduated from the 8(a) Business Development program, a firm in the transitional stage of the program, or a small or large business. In addition, the mentor should be able to show that it is currently eligible for Federal contracting opportunities, is not under a suspension or debarment action, and is not in the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) database. The program will strengthen the mentor’s strategic alliances within their industry and provide them with a greater network of potential partners. A protégé can be a Small Business (SB), HUB Zone, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), including Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB); Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). The protégé should be able to show that it is currently eligible for Federal contracting opportunities, is not under a suspension or debarment action, and is not in the EPLS database. “As part of our commitment to small businesses, it is our goal to find ways to increase small business participation in DOT and the federal market place. We are thrilled to launch this pilot program to provide small businesses with developmental assistance, increasing their ability to compete for and perform in federal procurement opportunities. We encourage business owners to take advantage of this program, gain procurement and marketing techniques, and foster long lasting strategic alliances,” remarked OSDBU Director Brandon Neal. Mentor and protégé firms are responsible for selecting their counterpart. The mentor is encouraged to select from a broad base of Small Businesses including SB, SDB, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone firms whose core competencies support DOT’s missions. The Small Business Day event also included workshops led by Felice Gorordo from the White House Office of Public Engagement and Camille Hazeur, Director of DOT’s Office of Civil Rights. During the Networking Session, participants had an opportunity to meet with over 40 representatives from government and large contractors about procurement opportunities through state and Federal agencies.
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Richelle Thomas was recently named Director of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) by the Secretary of Transportation Beverley K. Swaim-Staley. Previously serving as Deputy Director of OMBE since 2008, Ms. Thomas has held numerous primary leadership roles including oversight of the 2011 Disparity Study, representing MDOT on several legislative task forces and contributing to key legislative issues such as the reauthorization of the MBE Program. As OMBE’s Director, Ms. Thomas will oversee all aspects of the certification program while ensuring compliance with State and federal statutes and regulations. Ms. Thomas’ public service career spans nearly 30 years and includes service with the Department of General Services and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
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As part of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s efforts to provide Veterans with better services and resources, Lt. Governor Brown today announced that the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will host the 2012 MDOT Veterans Resource Expo to help Veterans transition from military life to civilian life. The Expo will offer information on career opportunities, education, health and community support that is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Veterans and their families. Veterans and their family members are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the MDOT Veterans Resource Expo that will be held at the 5th Regiment Armory in Baltimore City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, April 30th. Registration is open through April 20th. For more information on the MDOT Veterans Resource Expo, please visit www.MDOTVETEXPO.org or call 410-865-1164.
“Maryland's Veterans deserve the highest quality benefits and resources, and hosting this free Expo is just one more way to show our appreciation for their sacrifice by helping connect them with the jobs they need to support their families,” said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown. “In addition to our Maryland’s Veterans’ Preference Policy in State hiring, this outreach event will provide Veterans with more resources and information to succeed in their new goals and career opportunities in civilian life.” MDOT has a variety of careers that will be highlighted by MDOT, the Maryland Transportation Authority and all the MDOT agencies attending the Expo, including: the Maryland Transit Administration, the State Highway Administration, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Port of Baltimore and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. The agencies will provide information about services that they can offer Veterans, such as public transportation to job sites, as well as an overview of the types of careers available. “This free Expo is to assist Veterans with translating their military experience into jobs here in Maryland,” said Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley. “The Maryland Department of Transportation is one of the largest employers in the State. MDOT offers a variety of jobs, including: bus operators, bus maintenance technicians, customer service agents, accountants, engineers and police officers. We encourage all our Veterans to come join us at the Expo.” MDOT’s Expo is an extension of Maryland’s Warrior to Worker Initiative, signed by Governor O’Malley in October 2010, which encourages all state agencies to enhance employment opportunities for veterans within state government. In addition to the MDOT Agencies, there will be other Maryland State agencies participating, including the Departments of: Veterans Affairs, Budget and Management, and Labor Licensing and Regulation. Workshops and booths will provide Veterans with assistance in resume writing, succeeding in job interviews and general information on how to translate military experience to civilian occupations. There will also be several local colleges/institutes, health care representatives and local community groups in attendance. The event is only for Veterans and their family members. Attendees will be required to register and show documentation of their military service or their family members’ military service. Admission to the event is free and MTA will provide complimentary light rail, bus or Metro service to those who register to attend. Once registered, your complimentary transit passes will be mailed to you.
Lt. Governor Brown, a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and the nation’s highest-ranking elected official to have served a tour of duty in Iraq, leads the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s efforts to provide veterans with better services and resources. Since taking office in 2007, Lt. Governor Brown has championed successful efforts to pass the Veterans Behavioral Health Act, protect veterans’ business loans programs and fully fund the Iraq and Afghanistan Scholarship Program. Last year, the Lt. Governor launched the Mil2FedsJobs web portal, located on the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWEjobs.maryland.gov), the first of its kind in any state to directly match transitioning service members with careers in the Federal Government. This session, Lt. Governor Brown advocated on behalf of legislation that allows notation of ‘veteran’ status on drivers’ licenses and identification cards. Last month, the bill passed unanimously in both the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates.
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The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has increased 37 small business size standards for 34 industries and three sub-industries (“exceptions” in SBA’s table of small business size standards) in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 54, Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services. SBA is increasing the current $4.5 million size standard to $7 million for NAICS 541310 (Architectural Services) and retaining the current $7 million size standard for NAICS 541320 (Landscape Architectural Services). SBA also increased the one size standard in NAICS Sector 81, Other Services, which it did not review in 2010. These size standards are all receipts based. SBA is retaining the current standards for the remaining industries in NAICS Sector 54. This rule also removes “Map Drafting” as the “exception” to NAICS 541340, Drafting Services. The revised size standards took effect on March 12, 2012. SBA’s final rule is available at Regulations.gov (RIN 3245-AF07). You may also review the originally-proposed rule together with all of the comments that the public had submitted by going to the same site (www.regulations.gov). The proposed rule and the comments are included in the same docket file. The government website Regulations.gov posts documents concerning federal regulations and published in the Federal Register, the government’s legal newspaper. Some of these pertain to government contracting.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Emerging 200 (e200) Program will be offered this year in Baltimore to help increase growth opportunities for small businesses. e200 is an intense seven month executive-level training program for small business owners and executives. It provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced professionals and develop connections with their peers, city leaders and financial communities. The goal of the e200 initiative is to identify small businesses in underserved markets that show a high potential for growth and provide them with the training, networking, resources and the motivation required to expand their operations and create jobs. The StreetWise Steps to Small Business Growth e200 curriculum helps small business owners and executives gain knowledge and experience through the combination of an academically-developed curriculum, practical tips based on “real life” business experience and advice from business leaders that can be readily applied. The five modules of the curriculum include: Business and Strategy Assessment, Financials, Marketing and Sales, Resources: People, Accessing Capital and Government Contracts and Putting it all Together – Strategic Growth Plan Presentations. The e200 advance training series is open to Baltimore-area businesses with annual revenues of at least $400,000 that have at least one employee (in addition to the owner) and that have been in business for at least 3 years. This training is not recommended for start-ups; it’s geared towards growing businesses that are ready to “Step It Up”. This year’s e200 classes will start in mid -April (the exact dates will be determined later). Class typically meets once every two weeks, and is held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Small Business Resource Center on 33rd Street, in Baltimore. Participants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to complete the initiative. The total time commitment is approximately 100 hours, spread over 6 months. Small business owners and executives wishing to be considered for inclusion in this year’s class can fill out the online Expression of Interest form at http://www.interise.org/SBAe200 or contact Mark Williams, Lender Relations Specialist - U.S. Small Business Administration at 410.962.6195, ext 303.
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The State of Maryland’s Department of General Services (DGS) has implemented a replacement to the old legacy eMarylandMarketplace (eMM) online procurement system. While this enhanced system looks different, it provides the same functionality as the previous system and will offer additional benefits to users in the vendor community such as the ability to search and manage contracts, create ad hoc reports and easily view bid holder lists. As DGS completes the transition from the old legacy eMM to the new and improved system, it is important to keep the following dates in mind: - All new solicitations posted ON or AFTER 1/03/2012, and their respective awards, can only be accessed in the new eMM system.
- All solicitations posted on, or prior to 1/03/2012 can only be accessed through the old legacy eMM platform.
- Login access in the old legacy eMM will be turned off effective 1/31/2012 for all users.
Vendors registered in the old eMM prior to 12/01/11 do NOT need to re-register. However, you must log in to the system and follow the instructions for password reset. It is critical you verify all data that was moved from the old legacy eMM to the new eMM. If your company registered in the old eMM on or after 12/01/11, you must re-register in the new eMM platform. To see the new look of eMM and view helpful Quick Reference Guides and FAQs, visit https://ebidmarketplace.com/. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact DGS by phone during normal business hours at 410-767-1492 or via email at emaryland@dgs.state.md.us.
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Effective January 1, 2012, the following process replaces the Modified Reciprocity Certification Program and sets forth the procedures applicable to all out-of-state Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) applicants seeking certification in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE), the official certification agency for the State, chooses to review all out-of-state applications as provided in 49 CFR § 26.85(c). The following applies with respect to any firm that is currently certified in its home state as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and wishes to apply for certification as a DBE with MDOT. In order to complete an application for DBE certification, all out-of-state DBE firms must provide copies of all of the following documents as applicable: 1. A complete copy of your home state Uniform Certification Application (UCA), all supporting documents, and any other information related to your firm’s certification that has been submitted to your home state’s Uniform Certification Program (UCP) or any other state. This includes Affidavits of No Change and any notices of changes submitted to your home state, as well as all correspondence with your home state UCP concerning your application or status as a DBE firm. 2. All notices or correspondence from UCPs other than your home state relating to your status as an applicant or certified DBE in those states. If you have been denied certification or were decertified in another state, or are subject to a decertification action there, you must inform OMBE of this fact and provide all documentation concerning this action. 3. The attached affidavit sworn to by all of the firm’s owners before a person who is authorized by State law to administer oaths or an unsworn declaration executed under penalty of perjury of the laws of the United States. 4. If you have filed a certification appeal with USDOT, you must inform OMBE of the fact and provide your letter of appeal and USDOT’s response at the time of application. Please submit the above information to the MDOT Office of Minority Business Enterprise, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, MD 21076. If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact OMBE at 410-865-1269. AFFIDAVIT OF CERTIFICATION FOR OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS
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The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) announced that the Personal Net Worth (PNW) cap applied to the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program will increase from $1,530,652 to $1,577,337 effective January 1, 2012. As required by Maryland law, the State’s MBE Program adjusts its PNW cap annually based on the Consumer Price Index. OMBE, as the official certification agency for the State, is responsible for calculating the annual cap. The PNW cap applies to any disadvantaged owner whose ownership interest in a firm is relied upon for certification in the MBE Program and all MBE certification decisions rendered between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. In addition to the PNW cap, firms must meet eligibility requirements for minority status, ownership, control and size. The PNW cap in place for the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is not affected. Accordingly, the DBE cap on personal net worth which became effective on February 28, 2011 remains $1,320,000. The O’Malley-Brown Administration is committed to ensuring that small minority- and women-owned businesses have the opportunity to participate fully and fairly in the procurement process. The certification process ensures that bona fide disadvantaged firms receive the MBE designation in support of the State’s minority business inclusion efforts. For information about MBE/DBE certification, contact OMBE at 410-865-1269 or visit the Minority Disadvantaged Business Enterprise tab at www.mdot.maryland.gov.
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OSDBU is pleased to make the Fall DOT Biz Journal available for download. This issue is chock full of highlights on several small business programs and events that have been held recently by the OSDBU across the country, as well as important information on planned and potential procurement opportunities for federal and state transportation-related contracts. Recent and ongoing programs highlighted include several DOT Safety Days hosted by the OSDBU’s Small Business Transportation Centers and the continuation and expansion of the hugely successful Bonding Education Program in its second year into several cities around the nation. With the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1st, OSDBU released its FY 2012 Procurement Forecast and we provide an overview of how to search the online system for potential opportunities with the Department in the next 12 months. This edition also discusses some of the key transportation infrastructure proposals that are included in President Obama’s American Jobs Act presented to Congress in September. Also included are articles on the states of Illinois and Maine multi-year transportation plans which provide key insight into planned highway, bridge and transit projects in their states in the coming years as part of the regular Follow the Money feature. Click the following link to download the DOT Biz Journal [Download]
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Dear Friend,
Earlier this week, I signed an executive order calling for a 60-day review of all State Regulations. We know that there are regulations that are duplicative, antiquated and overly cumbersome and we hope that by eliminating or changing them, we’ll be able to spark faster job creation. But we need your help. As a state employee, you have the best understanding of how our state government works. You and your colleagues write the regulations, oversee their operation and interact with the Marylanders who are impacted by their application. You are the best resource we have for discovering what we can change to help create more jobs and build a stronger future for our State. We’re collecting comments at easy.maryland.gov and will use them to bring a package of regulatory reforms to the General Assembly in January. I really hope to hear from you. Some of the best ideas we use in our state government have come from our state employees. Please also share the website with family and friends. The more feedback we get, the better. Thanks in advance for helping move our State forward, and thank you for what you do every day, serving the people of Maryland. Sincerely, Martin O’Malley
Governor
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The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is pleased to announce the issuance of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Procurement Forecast. The Procurement Forecast is prepared annually in accordance with Public Law 100-656, to assist small businesses in planning their federal government marketing efforts. The FY2012 forecast provides information on anticipated DOT procurements over the simplified acquisition threshold and can be searched by quarter, industry category, Operating Administration (OA) and key words.
To access the system, please click on the following link http://osdbu.dot.gov/Procurement/index.cfm.
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New tool for business and development owners to streamline and expedite state permit review process for projects in priority development areas Maryland recently launched FastTrack as part of the Maryland Made Easy initiative. FastTrack is a new tool for business owners and developers to streamline and expedite the review of state permits for projects in priority development areas. “One of the ways in which we can create jobs, expand opportunity, and do it now, is by cutting the bureaucratic red tape,” said Governor O’Malley. “We’re doing that with Maryland Made Easy, simplifying and streamlining the business licensing and permitting process – not just in specific agencies, but across our entire State government. One of Maryland Made Easy’s key strategies is the ‘FastTrack’ initiative, designed to streamline the kind of business expansion our State is looking for. This is the FastTrack to expanding businesses in our State. This is the FastTrack to jobs and opportunity, not in ‘a few years from now,’ but now.” As part of the announcement, Governor O’Malley signed the Executive Order establishing FastTrack and appointed Lt. Governor Brown as Chair of the initiative. “Governor O’Malley and I believe that state government has a responsibility to lay the foundation for job creation and economic growth in Maryland, and making it easier for companies to do business in our state is a key part of that effort,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Our new FastTrack initiative will help expedite the business development process while maintaining standards for smart growth and environmental protection. I am honored to lead this effort on behalf of Governor O’Malley and I look forward to working closely with Maryland’s business community to make the FastTrack program a success.” The Governor also announced the launch of the Maryland Made Easy web site, which will host information about the FastTrack process as well as the application. The site also features a GIS interactive map that will help users determine eligibility to apply for FastTrack. All projects in FastTrack will be monitored to ensure timeliness and adherence to specified timelines and a yearly report will be presented to the Governor on the system’s progress. In January, Governor O’Malley announced Maryland Made Easy as part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the conditions that allow businesses to grow and create jobs. Maryland Made Easy encompasses strategies to streamline procedures, simplify regulations and improve communications. In addition to FastTrack, the Maryland Made Easy initiative includes State Highway Administration Permits, an ongoing initiative to facilitate permitting for development projects and will include Central Business Licensing, an online one-stop shop for completing and submitting licenses related to starting a business in Maryland.
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Several key pieces of legislation affecting the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program were passed during the 2011 Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley. The MBE Program operates on a 5-year sunset, expiring on July 1, 2011. After receiving the February 17, 2011 Disparity Study, the general assembly enacted House Bill 456/Senate Bill 120, introduced by Delegate Dan Morhaim (D-Baltimore County) and Senator Joan Carter Conway (D-Baltimore City), to reauthorize the Program and provide for the following changes: 1. Extends MBE Program with current 25% statewide goal in place until July 2012 – This ensures the continuation of Maryland’s MBE program while providing sufficient time to review the February 17, 2011 Disparity Study and propose additional changes that may be required. 2. Clarifies process for setting contract goals – The statute explicitly states that MBE contract goals must be set on a case by case basis and must be tailored to the individual circumstances of each contract and the availability of MBEs to perform on those contracts. 3. Replaces statutory subgoals with detailed guidance for setting contract subgoals – The Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA) will issue this guidance in a manner that comports with the laws affecting federal and state race- and gender-conscious MBE programs. 4. Increases transparency for Good Faith Waiver process – All final waiver determinations must be made in writing and reported to GOMA and the Board of Public Works, which will provide clarity regarding how, when and why waivers are granted. 5. Institutes Control Contracts – The Board of Public Works and GOMA will identify a small number of contracts that would be issued without goals so that the State may assess the levels of MBE participation occurring in the absence of contract goals. 6. Ensures that MBEs are not used as “Pass throughs” – The Board of Public Works must issue regulations to clarify that MBEs must serve a commercially useful function. Senate Bill 558, introduced as emergency legislation by Senator Catherine E. Pugh (D-Baltimore City), adds statutory provisions for amending the MBE participation schedule prior to and after contract award. Senate Bill 638, introduced by Senator Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince George’s County), specifies a termination date of July 1, 2018, for certain provisions of law relating to minority participation in video lottery facility operations, and provides a termination date for specified duties of the State Lottery Commission and the Governor's Office of Minority Affairs relating to the monitoring, reporting, and taking action on specified activities. Changes to the MBE Program as a result of House Bill 456/Senate Bill 120 and Senate Bill 638 are effective July 1, 2011. Senate Bill 558, which was approved as emergency legislation, became effective May 10, 2011. To view more details about these and other actions taken during the 2011 General Assembly, visit the Maryland General Assembly website at www.mlis.state.md.us.
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Evening Sessions of MBE/DBE/ACDBE Application Assistance Workshop Now Being Offered Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley today announced an expansion to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) popular Application Assistance Workshop for small, minority- and women-owned businesses interested in becoming certified as a Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) or Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). Four new evening sessions have been added to the monthly Application Assistance Workshops conducted by MDOT’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE), the official certification agency for the State of Maryland. “These evening workshops will strengthen the efforts of Governor O’Malley and
Lt. Governor Brown to promote full and fair opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to participate in State contracting,” said Secretary Swaim-Staley. “By offering evening sessions, we hope to reach more perspective applicants and help more small, minority and women business owners determine how certification can benefit them.” MDOT’s Application Assistance Workshop includes a comprehensive overview of the MBE, DBE and ACDBE certification programs. OMBE’s staff members cover eligibility standards for each program, provide a detailed evaluation of the application, review requirements for annual renewal and offer basic marketing and business development techniques. In addition, certification officers are available to meet one-on-one with potential applicants and address individual questions specific to his/her business. “We realize that certification is a big process,” said OMBE’s Director Zenita Wickham Hurley. “Attending a certification workshop prior to submitting an application makes firms better prepared and more confident throughout the certification process.” More than 1,600 people have attended the Application Assistance Workshops since they began in 2009. In addition to the regular sessions held on the first Tuesday of every month beginning at 10 a.m., four new evening sessions will be held in 2011 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on March 1st, June 7th, September 6th and December 6th. The Application Assistance Workshops are held at MDOT’s Headquarters located at 7201 Corporate Center Drive in Hanover. Online registration is strongly encouraged. To register online, visit www.mdot.maryland.gov and go to the Application Assistance Workshop section. All participants must show photo identification upon entering the building. Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise Program is the oldest in the United States. OMBE certified 800 firms in 2010: a 3.5% increase from the previous year. The number of firms listed in MDOT’s online directory of certified firms increased 10% in 2010 to 5,193 as of December 31, 2010. OMBE responded to more than 10,000 telephone inquiries and conducted over 109 outreach and education events across the State in 2010. Small, minority- and women-owned firms are encouraged to participate on government contracts. Minority participation goals can only be met by certified firms. MDOT’s OMBE conducts a statewide outreach program. Any group interested in learning more about MBE, DBE and ACDBE certification is invited to contact OMBE at 410-865-1269 or mailto: mbe@mdot.state.md.us to schedule a workshop. The Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) is the official certification agency of the State of Maryland. Firms meeting the standards set forth in State and federal law are eligible for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and/or Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification. OMBE’s comprehensive certification process ensures that bona fide disadvantaged or minority-owned firms receive the MBE/DBE/ACDBE designation in support of the State’s minority business inclusion efforts.
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Governor Martin O'Malley has outlined the State's efforts to strengthen Maryland's small business community during these difficult economic times. Ten Point Strategy: Create Maryland's first ever Commission for Small Business, built upon the positive momentum of the Small Business Task Force and giving the small business community a permanent seat at the table. Expand assistance to Maryland businesses through the Health Insurance partnership, fulfilling our capacity to serve 1,500 businesses and 10,000 Marylanders with access to quality, affordable health insurance through employment at a Maryland small business. Create one uniform loan application for small businesses applying for State financing and streamline the State's permitting requirements to further reduce red tape. Match President Obama's commitment to waive borrowing fees for SBA loans on the State level, including fees for the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority, which has provided nearly $5 million in assistance. Work with our Congressional delegation to secure greater capital from the federal government for our small businesses. Expand efforts to advance the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program by further enhancing the unprecedented efforts of the O'Malley-Brown Administration (which maintains the highest MBE goals for State agencies in the nation) that achieved 22% MBE participation across State government in FY09 and awarded $346 million to African American firms, a 30% increase from the previous year. Set aside a percentage of certain State contracts for small business through the Small Business Reserve Program, extending the program six more years and allowing Maryland small businesses to navigate the bidding process without being overwhelmed by large corporations. Through our Federal Facilities Task Force, work with the federal government to open procurement and contracting opportunities for more Maryland businesses. Work with the business community to find ways to do an even better job of providing skills training and promoting career readiness in our schools, particularly as it relates to things like Career and Technology Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. Work with the business community to find a sustainable solution to the unemployment insurance challenges facing Maryland small businesses.
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