Office of Minority Business Enterprise

The Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) works to expand opportunities for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses seeking to participate in Maryland’s contracting and procurement opportunities. OMBE is responsible for administering Maryland’s certification programs for businesses seeking recognition as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE).

What do we do?

OMBE helps businesses understand and navigate the certification process and works to ensure that certification decisions are consistent with applicable State and Federal requirements.

Our work includes:

Certification Assistance: We provide information and guidance to help businesses understand certification requirements, required documentation, and the application process.
Business Certification: We review applications and determine whether businesses meet the eligibility requirements for MBE, DBE, ACDBE, and SBE certification programs.
Business Certification Management: We process certification updates, renewals, changes in business information, and other actions necessary to maintain accurate certification records.
Certification Management System Directory: We maintain information about certified businesses so that State agencies, prime contractors, and others can identify certified firms available to perform work.
Program Integrity: We review certified businesses for continued eligibility and take appropriate action when changes may affect a firm's certification status.
Outreach & Education: We facilitate webinars, provide information, and resources to help businesses better understand Maryland’s certification programs and how certification connects to contracting opportunities