Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the goal of the MBE Program?
• What is a MBE?
• What is considered a minority individual?
• What initiatives does the County have to provide assistance to MBEs?
• What are the advantages of certification?
• How can I get started doing business with the County?
• What types of work is available?
• How does the procurement system operate in the County?
• How can we learn about contracting opportunities in the County?
• Can I do business with the County without being certified?
• Once certified, can a firm be assured of getting contracts and subcontracts?
• Does the general contractor have any responsibility in the MBE Program

• What is the goal of the MBE Program?

Answer: The MBE Program the goal that 30% of the overall procurement value be achieved from Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE)

• What is a MBE?

Answer: A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is a firm that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals; and, whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more such individuals.

• What is considered a minority individual?

Answer: The County legislation defines minority individuals as those from the following groups: African-Americans, Asian Americans, Females and Hispanic Americans.

• What initiatives does the County have to provide assistance to MBEs?

Answer: a) MBE Procurement Assistance;
              b) Business Development; and
              c) MBE certification

• What are the advantages of certification?

Answer: There are several advantages:
1. MBE Certification enhances the company’s exposure to prime contractors and   subcontractors in the business community.
2. It allows the MBEs to be more competitive.
3. It provides the MBE with the tool to compete with the larger firms, through the “Bonus Point System”, they receive in the bidding process.
4. Through certification, the County may utilize competition between MBEs only which is designated by the County officials as a “Restricted” bid.
5. It provides the opportunity to fulfill the County’s 20% subcontracting requirements for construction contracts.

• How can I get started doing business with the County?

Answer: All companies must start by registering their name into the County’s Procurement System, by completing a Bidder’s List Application. Contact the Contract Administration and Procurement at (301) 883-6400 or at www.princegeorgescountymd.gov.
Minority Owned businesses interested in getting certified as MBEs must contact the Minority Business Development Division for more detailed information on the certification process.

• What types of work is available?

Answer: Opportunities to participate as a prime and subcontractor are available in construction, construction-related work and the procurement of commodities and services, as well as professional services as varied; such as engineering, medical, information technology, etc. Minority participation is encouraged in all projects.

• How does the procurement system operate in the County?

Answer: The bulk of the County’s procurement is done by formal competitive sealed bids and proposals. The County also uses written quotation and credit cards for small informal procurement.

• How can we learn about contracting opportunities in the County?

Answer: Contracting opportunities are posted on the County’s website:www: co.pg.md.us The County also advertises in local papers of record: Prince George’s Post, The Sentinel. and the Enquirer Gazette.

• Can I do business with the County without being certified?

Answer: Yes. With the exception of “restricted” bids. The County is open for everyone participation in the procurement process. However, you will not claim the advantages of the MBE Program if the County does not certify you as a MBE.

• Once certified, can a firm be assured of getting contracts and subcontracts?

Answer: No. Certification does not guarantee work to any minority firm. All Bids and RFPs are competitive. To be successful, a firm must market itself, its personnel and services, as any good business must. Certification, however, will provide more exposure to your firm as well as the ability to become a subcontractor.

• Does the general contractor have any responsibility in the MBE Program?

Answer: Yes. The general contractor must first meet the goals established on the contract by seeking out and utilizing certified MBE firms. The general contractor is responsible for all project activities including those of subcontractors.