The Procurement Department is proud to announce a significant increase in the University’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation percentage. During FY 2004, Towson University achieved an overall MBE participation rate of 22%! This means that 22% of our available contracting dollars went to MD Certified MBE firms. The participation for previous years is as follows: FY 2003 = 15.7%, FY 2002 = 16%, FY 2001 = 12%, and FY 2000 = 9.46%. Thanks to all of you for helping to make this possible.
As a reminder, during the 2001 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Legislature passed a bill that increased the state’s MBE goal from 14 percent to 25 percent. This means that 25 percent of our total dollars spent must go either directly or indirectly to MBE firms, certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Total contracting dollars include not only contracts awarded by the Procurement Department, but also purchases made with the Visa Procurement Card. The goal cannot be reached without your help! Therefore, when you are shopping for a supply/material/service, etc., (those purchases under $5,000 not requiring the Procurement Department’s involvement) – please visit the MBE Directory at {http://mbe.mdot.state.md.us/cgi-bin/mbedir/mbedirectory}. This easy to use search directory enables you to shop for the products/services, etc. from MBE firms.
If you have questions regarding the MBE Program, please contact Barbara Hufnagel at {bhufnagel@towson.edu} or X4-3486.
