Socioeconomic Programs Status Page Five
Table 3 illustrates the utilization of the Certified Small Businesses/Small Business Reserve Program for Q3 FY 2026. SBR designated firms received $8.6 million of the $229 million in procurement awards during this period. Non-SBR-designated awards for this quarter were over $5.7 million MDTA's CSB/SBR awards totaled over $14.4 million (6.31%) for all SBR awards (designated and non-designated). Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program CRFP's Compliance Officers monitor State-funded projects to ensure compliance with Maryland's Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program. The VSBE Program provides contracting opportunities for state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesses. In accordance with COMAR 21.11.03.01, each State procurement agency is required to structure its procedures for making procurements to achieve an overall minimum goal of one percent (1%) of the unit's total dollar value of all procurement contracts made directly or indirectly with veteran-owned small business enterprises. Effective September 2024, the Veteran Small Business Enterprise State goal was increased to three percent (3%). Table 4 illustrates VSBE contract participation by contracting area for Q3 FY2026. Through this period, VSBE firms received approximately $1.7 million (.58%) of the over $219 million in contracts awarded by the MDTA. VSBE participation for Q3 FY 2026 is calculated by dividing the total contract award dollars to VSBE firms by all contract awards. Major Initiatives CRFP continues the following strategies focused on outreach, training, and data analysis to achieve its mission of championing socio-economic programs: • In-person Outreach Events: Civil Rights and Fair Practices hosted two in-person outreach events within the 2026 calendar year titled "Doing Business with the MDTA." The first was hosted on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and the second on Tuesday June 23, 2026. In addition to hosting quarterly outreach events, CRFP actively participates in other sponsored outreach events to further educate businesses on how to engage in contracts that include MBE, VSBE, and CSB/SBR goals and/or designations. These efforts also provide guidance on the steps required to participate in such contracts and offer information on MDTA’s upcoming procurement and contracting opportunities. • Target Training and Process Improvements: Based on the findings of an internal MDTA audit, CRFP identified specific training needs as well as opportunities to update its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and general operating practices. In response, CRFP is continuing to conduct targeted staff training and auditing processes to continue its division-wide efforts to revise SOPs and standard practices. In addition, CRFP is partnering with other MDTA divisions to strengthen coordination and consistency. These
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