Equity IN Procurement
Empowering Local Businesses through Equitable Procurement Opportunities
Background
The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce (PGCOC) is dedicated to fostering a thriving economic environment for businesses in Prince George’s County, enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents. As part of this mission, PGCOC has partnered with CareFirst on an equity and inclusion grant aimed at creating new opportunities for local businesses. This innovative procurement program is designed to help businesses in Prince George’s County become suppliers to CareFirst and other large corporations in the area. Click here to see CareFirst’s commitment to supplier diversity.
This program not only seeks to grow revenues for local businesses but also aims to establish a national model for equitable procurement practices, ensuring that businesses led by women and people of color have equal opportunities to succeed and scale up.
Program Overview
This six-month program takes 15 minority vendors through all the steps to be eligible and apply for procurement opportunities with CareFirst and other participating organizations. Participants will be certified as a minority supplier through the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council.Their first year membership will be covered in the program.
There will be a virtual information session prior to the launch date, which will be recorded and available for viewing on https://pgcoc.org/equity-in-procurement/
Expectations
Participants will:
- Attend a combination of in-person and virtual three-hour workshops over the course of six (6) months (one workshop per month)
Attend graduation
Complete the all the steps and provided required documentation for graduation
Complete a baseline and post-program assessment
Complete a check-in survey one
year post graduation
Categories of Opportunities
Participating businesses will have the chance to secure contracts in the following categories:
Real Estate and Lease Administration Services
Construction
General Contracting
Property Management
Janitorial and Facilities Services
Landscaping
Eligibility Criteria
Guidelines for the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) minority business enterprise (MBE) certification:
- To be considered a member of a qualified minority group, a person must be a United States citizen who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American
- The MBE must be for-profit
- Minorities must own and control at least 51% of the business
- Minority owner(s) must serve as President or CEO (if both positions exist)
- Minority owner(s) must be active in daily management
Guidelines for The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Equity In Procurement Program:
- The MBE must be eligible for an MBE certification by the NMSDC.
- The MBE must be in good standing with the state of Maryland.
- The MBE must be a member of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce.
Upcoming Workshops
We also encourage you to attend our virtual workshop to gain further insight into the program and how it can support your business in the procurement process. Registration for the workshop is available below via Zoom Registration.
APPLY BELOW!
Take the next step in growing your business by applying for the PGCOC Equity In Procurement Program, designed to help you secure contracts with major employers in Prince George’s County.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Angel St. Jean | Program Manager
Phone: 240-301-3422 • Email: [email protected]
