Diversity & Outreach Program

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE)

The objective of the Diversity & Outreach Program (Program) is to encourage and increase participation in Judiciary procurements by Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Enterprise (VSBE).

The Maryland Judiciary’s Diversity & Outreach Program connects the small, minority, women, and veteran-owned supplier communities to greater economic opportunities, creating an open, accessible and equitable culture where procurement opportunities are available to all suppliers.

The Judiciary Department of Procurement, Contract & Grant Administration (DPCGA) is responsible for procuring goods and services for the Maryland Judiciary (Judiciary) in accordance with Judiciary policies and guidance.  The DPCGA oversees the Judiciary’s Program to encourage diversity and small business participation in Judiciary procurements. Opportunities are offered through a variety of Request for Proposals (RFPs), sourcing processes, and contracts; including, but not limited to: Construction and Renovation, Consulting and Professional Services, Information Technology Services, Janitorial Services, Moving Services, Office Supplies, and Printing and Graphic Services.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
In order to participate as an MBE in Judiciary procurements, MBE businesses must be certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). For more information, go to:
https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/index.aspx?pageid=90

Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE)
In order to participate as a VSBE in Judiciary procurements, Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprises must complete three steps: 1. Vendor Registration, 2. Veteran Verification, 3. Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Certification.  These steps are outlined by the State of Maryland VSBE Program.  For more information, go to: 
https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/Pages/VSBE-Program.aspx

Contracting Opportunities
Eligible MBEs and VSBEs can review open Requests for Proposals on the following websites:

National American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes
NAICS is a classification system used to code products and services by economic activity. Codes are utilized when establishing MBE and VSBE subcontracting goals during the RFP review process. For more information on NAICS codes, go to: https://www.naics.com/search/

Commodity Codes
UNSPSC Commodity Codes are used when posting RFPs on eMarylandMarketplaceAdvantage.  For more information on Commodity Codes, go to:
https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/04/1-eMMA-QRG-Registering-as-a-Vendor-v6.pdf

Contact Information
For additional information regarding the Judiciary’s Diversity & Outreach Program, please contact [email protected].