Established through State and Government Articles §9–303.3, the MBE Ombudsman unit officially started during the Moore-Miller administration, in January 2024.

The Ombudsman will:

Work with prime contractors, MBEs, and state agencies to resolve issues that arise during contract performance

Develop policies and guidance to assist agencies in implementing the MBE Program

Oversee data collection of documented nonperformance by prime contractors

Conduct training for non-minority prime contractors as well as MBEs performing in the prime and/or subcontracting role

Conduct training for procurement officers, Compliance Officers, and MBE liaisons in units of State government on enforcement of the requirements of Title 14, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article

Operate as the subject matter expert to executives, legislators, state personnel, and stakeholder organizations

The Ombudsman will not:

Conduct legal investigations or make legal determinations

Determine fault or innocence

Make decisions for agency staff

Vendors

If you would like assistance navigating state procurement OR if you are having issues on a state contract, 
click the contact us box below.

If you are experiencing issues on a state contract, p​​rior to contacting our unit, we request that you

Step 1: Contact the Prime Contractor to resolve any issues

Step 2: Contact the State Agency Contract Monitor and/or MBE Liaison for assistance

Step 3: After following these steps, please contact the MBE Ombudsman

 ​​

Contact Us

An MBE Fraud Hotline exists for the purpose of reporting potential violations

against a certified MBE. A call to the hotline will trigger an investigation.

The more details you provide, the better chance we have of determining

whether fraud has been committed. Callers may remain anonymous.

If you suspect fraud against an MBE, call 410-697-9611.

Standards of Practice:

Communications with the Ombudsman are confidential, and no information or opinion presented to an Ombudsman (or even the fact that the Ombudsman has been contacted) will be shared with other parties without the express permission of the visitor. The only exceptions to confidentiality are if required by law or litigation (such as in the case of fraud, violence, or criminal activity). ​Additionally, agencies, GOSBA staff, and the Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Office consult about cases in a confidential manner.

Impartial:

The MBE Ombudsman will work with small and minority business owners, prime contractors, and state personnel to ensure the laws, regulations, and established policies of the MBE program are followed.

Independent from any state agency

The MBE Ombudsman Unit operates within the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs.

Our Promise:

Conflict Resolution

We will listen to the concerns of the requesting party and brainstorm possible approaches to address concerns.

We will encourage and facilitate communication among involved parties, with the permission of the requesting party.

We will provide support to resolve problems and contact prime contractors or state personnel who might help resolve the matter.

Education and Training

We will provide educational opportunities and resources to help explain current laws, regulations, policies, and procedures of the MBE Program.

Promote Change

We will capture informational data to identify patterns and trends in the state contracting ecosystem. 

We will use information, data trends, and metrics to inform recommendations for changes in policy and regulations, encouraging positive systemic change.

We will work collaboratively with state agencies & executives, legislators, business resource organizations, chambers, and others to create better opportunities and a more inclusive atmosphere in state contracting for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. ​​​

​

News for You!

Find the latest updates, articles, or other information here.

​Posted 09.10.2024

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has just announced that the application portal for the Business Boost microgrant program is open!

Funded by the Neighborhood BusinessWorks (NBW) program, the Business Boost microgrant assists small business owners with expansion and capital growth opportunities. The program will offer $20,000 to $50,000 to support businesses looking to expand or establish a commercial location. The application round is projected to open Monday September 23, 2024 and close on Monday October 14, 2024.

To learn more and apply, please visit the DHCD website.

​

Posted 7.3.2024

Are you aware of requirements to submit a subcontractor agreement when operating on a contract with MBE goals? If you are a prime contractor, you must ensure you sign a subcontractor agreement with every MBE certified subcontractor  you use on a state contract with MBE goals. If you are an MBE subcontractor, you must ensure that you sign both the state required MBE forms and a a subcontractor agreement with the prime contractor. Learn more here​. ​

​​

Posted 4.12.2024

​​If your business has been affected by the Francis Scott Key (FSK) Bridge Collapse, you may be eligible for assistance through the Small Business Administration. Check out the new Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website for more details and resources. The website will serve as the central location where all programs and resources will be shared as well as the locations where workers and businesses may receive in-person assistance. Website information will be updated as additional programs become available. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families affected by this tragedy.

​