EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Recognizing an active program of research, technical assistance and procurement from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) and Disabled Business Enterprises (DBEs) is essential to the realization of progressive social and economic development goals, the following is designed to express the County's intent to foster participation by MBEs, WBEs and DBEs in its procurement process.

The Office of Purchasing's committment and policy is to assure all persons an equal opportunity to participate in the procurement of all commodities and services. The Equal Business Opportunity effort is an extension of current Purchasing procedures and is practiced on an on-going basis. Furthermore, as a function of this program, assistance will be provided to businesses whenever and wherever practicable.

The Office of Purchasing in conjunction with the Committee for Business and Economic Diversity (CBED), through The Center for Business and Technology Development, encourages and promotes the development of businesses owned by minorities, women and individuals with disabilities. CBED implements programs, develops partnerships and removes barriers to business success. This link will connect you to The Center for Business and Technology Development where you can obtain information about programs for entrepreneurs.

For convenience, we have provided three options related to equal business opportunity:

1. Access to the County's EBO Certification Application (see below)
   

2. The County Directory of local firms certified by the EBO Commission can be accessed using the "Local Firms A - H" , "Local Firms I - R" and "Local Firms S - Z" links on the menu at the left.
   

3. URL's which will provide you direct access to the bid listing of the County and a list of other jurisdictions with such websites.

The Howard County EBO Application Form is provided here.

Once you print a copy of the EBO Application, complete the form as instructed. You may mail it or fax it to the Office of Purchasing. Also, if your firm is not currently on the Bidder's List, we encourage you to complete the Bidder's Application by clicking on the appropriate button on the left hand side of this screen. This will place your firm's name on the list for any goods/services you provide.

If you have any questions about filling out the application or need additional information please call the Office of Purchasing at (410) 313-6370.

You may also contact the EBO Coordinator Sandra Fox for any further questions you may have.

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