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recovery.gov – National Economic Recovery Website

Maryland Economic Recovery Website

recovery.gov – National Economic Recovery Website

Maryland Economic Recovery Website

  1. How is the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) getting the word out about the projects?
  2. What opportunities will there be for minority businesses?
  3. What steps are being taken to expedite the procurement process for transportation projects?

1. How is the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) getting the word out about the projects?

MDOT will be focused on transparency and accountability as we move forward in awarding these projects. The process for selection of each project and its benefits will be made readily available to the public so that citizens can see what has been done and why. The first Phase of projects were made available as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan was signed into law.

Once projects are available for advertisement, the latest information on the ARRA projects will be available on several Maryland websites:

2. What opportunities will there be for minority businesses?

Maryland is committed to working with certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms in order to meet minority participation goals. Only DBE certified firms are able to meet minority participation goals established for ARRA projects. MDOT will be making extra efforts to link DBEs and prime contractors so that everyone benefits from the federal stimulus program. As we move through the procurement process, MDOT is encouraging everyone to work hard to meet all the federal requirements and deadlines so that Maryland is able to take advantage of all the federal funding available. DBE participation goals for ARRA projects will be determined in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

MDOT’S Outreach Efforts

MBE/DBE Application Assistance Workshop

MDOT’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) conducts a free monthly workshop for firms interested in becoming certified as a minority or disadvantaged business. OMBE is the State’s official certification agency. The workshop includes an overview of the application process and the opportunity to meet with a certification specialist one-on-one. The workshops are held at MDOT’s Headquarters (7201 Corporate Center Dr., Hanover, MD) on the first Tuesday of every month. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the workshop starts promptly at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Call 410-865-1269. View the MBE/DBE Application Assistance Workshop Flyer

Expansion of Services

MDOT’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) is encouraging certified firms to review their current NAICS code assignments. Firms that have expanded their services may request an Expansion of Services by submitting a written request to the OMBE listing the additional areas in which they would like to be certified. This effort may allow more DBE firms to participate in ARRA projects. The major types of highway work available through the stimulus projects will include: resurfacing, safety, environmental, and bridge rehabilitation.

Modified Reciprocity Certification Program

DBE firms already certified by MDOT can maximize the opportunities associated with the ARRA by applying for certification in a neighboring jurisdiction. Governor Martin O’Malley, together with Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, launched the Modified Reciprocity Certification Program (MRCP) this past fall to streamline the application process and to reduce the paperwork. Today, firms with DBE certification in one jurisdic­tion only have to submit the following documents to apply for certification in the other jurisdictions:
  • Uniform Certification Application,
  • Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement,
  • Owner’s federal tax return for latest tax year,
  • Firm's federal tax return for the latest tax year,
  • Most recent letter of certification received from the DBE’s/ACDBE’s home state, and
  • Certificate of Good Standing from Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (where applicable).

Firms in Virginia and the District of Columbus that have already received DBE certification from their home state may apply for certification in Maryland through the MRCP. For more information, contact OMBE by phone at 410-865-1269 or 800-544-6056, or by email at mbe@mdot.state.md.us.

Please visit MDOT’s MBE/DBE Program Website for more information.

3. What steps are being taken to expedite the procurement process for transportation projects?

The time frame from advertisement of bids to bid opening will be reduced from the normal four to five weeks to the minimum time permitted of three weeks. In addition, two bid openings per week will be scheduled for the foreseeable future. Once bids are opened, low bidders are strongly encouraged to submit all documents they are required to submit (e.g. Affirmative Action Plans) in less time than they are legally entitled to. MDOT is committed to turning around contract documents in as expedited a manner as possible.