Congratulations! You have completed the State of Maryland certification process and you are ready to hit the ground running. What are my next steps? Where do I start? The following "Useful Tips" will assist you in doing business with the State. Remember, becoming certified does not automatically guarantee you business. As in any business, the keys to success include Marketing, Contacts, and Perseverance.
Useful Tips For MBE/DBEs Doing Business With The State of Maryland
1. To be successful, each minority firm must aggressively market the company, the personnel and the services that are offered.
2. Identify each State agency that would likely need the type of services you can provide. Get on the agencies' vendor list.
3. Mail the company's business capabilities to the procurement officers in the agencies you have identified.
4. Inquire about new State projects and possible contracting opportunities with the appropriate agency.
5. Research resources that provide information on upcoming State contract opportunities. The following sources provide current contract information: Maryland Contract Weekly
Office of the Secretary of State
Division of State Documents
(410) 974-2486
(A list of all State procurement officers is available.) Governor's Office of Minority Affairs
Annual Upcoming Contracts Directory
(410) 767-8232 eMaryland Marketplace
(410) 767-1492
emarylandmarketplace.com
6. Attend networking events -- procurement fairs, business expos, symposiums, and vendor seminars. Strengthen your contacts with procurement personnel.
7. Use the resources available on the MBE Home page.
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