Department of Natural Resources Policy - Minority Business Enterprise Program

Department of Natural Resources Policy -
Minority Business Enterprise Program
Policy Number: 96:02
Effective Date: January 1, 1996 (Reviewed: May 2003)
See signed policy - Adobe Acrobat file
I. Purpose
To provide equal access to meaningful opportunities for minority firms to participate in state procurement, by creating a more open and hospitable climate in which minority firms can grow, prosper and fully participate in Maryland’s economic mainstream; and thereby, provide more jobs and enhanced business development for Maryland.
A. Minority Business Enterprise is defined as any legal entity, except a joint venture, that is: organized to engage in commercial transactions; and at least 51% (percent) owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are members of a group that is disadvantaged socially or economically, including:

African Americans;
American Indians;
Asians;
Hispanics;
Women; or
Physically or mentally disabled individuals.

B. MBE also includes a not for profit entity organized to promote the interest of physically or mentally disable individuals.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all units within the Department of Natural Resources.
III. Policy
A. To implement the State Finance and Procurement Article as amended Chapter 116 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1995, the department has established a minority business enterprise quality management team and empowered it with the authority and responsibility to structure procurement procedures to try to achieve the result that minimum of 25% of the Unit’s total dollar value from the department’s procurements are made directly or indirectly from certified Minority Business Enterprises.
B. To achieve a coordinated agency approach to managing the department’s Minority Business Enterprise Program, the MBE quality management team includes department personnel involved with every aspect of the procurement process, in addition to representatives from both the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Fair Practice.
C. The MBE Quality Management Team, under the direction of the Department’s MBE Liaison, is responsible for developing a program specifically designed for the Department’s internal logistics. The MBE Quality Team is responsible for: Developing procedures for implementing and monitoring the program; establishing accountability through internal and external reports; developing mechanisms for program evaluation; and, ensuring that each employee is given the proper tools and training needed to comply with the program requirements.
D. The Department enjoys delegated authority in procurement matters. In furtherance of this authority, the department has developed procedures to promote and document its efforts to attain its MBE participation goal. The procedures demonstrate the Department’s specific efforts to end discrimination in the State’s procurement of goods and services. Every department employee with procurement authority and responsibility is expected to follow these procedures; to comply with this MBE program policy; and to assist the department in achieving its MBE participation goal.

Posted February 3, 2004