Business

Procurement

Solicitations and Awards

A prospective bidder should register as a vendor on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage. A link to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) is provided below. Registration is easy and free. A registered vendor can complete one or more profiles that will enable eMMA to notify the vendor whenever a solicitation is posted on eMMA fitting the vendor's profile.

To see contracts being solicited by the Maryland Port Administration, go to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

Office of Procurement

The Office of Procurement procures supplies, services, including IT supplies and services, construction, and architectural and engineering (A/E) contracts for the Maryland Port Administration. We also advise and assist our customers with specification development and contract administration. Most activity of the Office of Procurement is governed by the State Procurement Law, set forth in Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and in Title 21 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).

Click on these links for additional information and forms:

Contact Information:

Questions may be directed to:

Office of Procurement
- Trisha O'Neal
  Acting Director
  410-385-4849

Bonding Requirements:

Bid Bond - All construction projects for the MPA in excess of $100,000 (5% of proposed price). Other contracts as provided in individual solicitations.

Performance Bond - All construction contracts for the MPA in excess of $100,000 (100% of award amount). Other contracts as provided in individual solicitations.

Payment Bond - All construction contracts for the MPA in excess of $100,000 (100% of award amount). Other contracts as provided in individual solicitations.

Click to view and print:

State of Maryland Procurement Methods:

The Office of Procurement uses different procurement methods as required by law and sound purchasing practices. We are committed to providing excellent service to customers. Pursuant to COMAR 21.05.01.01, unless otherwise permitted by law, all State procurement contracts must be awarded in accordance with one of the following methods:

Competitive Sealed Bidding
Competitive Sealed Proposals
Negotiated award after unsatisfactory competitive sealed bidding
Sole Source
Emergency
Expedited
Master Contracting
Small Procurement ($10,000 or less)
Intergovernmental cooperative purchasing
Qualification-based Selection for Architectural & Engineering Services

Links to Related Sites:

Advertisement Process:

The Maryland Port Administration must advertise notice of a solicitation on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage if the contract cost is estimated to be over $50,000.

Small Business (SB) Programs

•The State of Maryland has two programs for promoting Maryland Certified sSmall Bbusinesses (CSBs), the Small Business Reserve (SBR) program and the Small Business Preference (SBP) program. A solicitation issued by the Maryland Port Administration as an SBR or SBP will contain language stating the SBR or SBP status of the procurement. Under the SBR program, contract award is restricted to a CSB certified no later than the time of award. Under the SBP program, a CSB may receive a price preference over a business which is not a CSB.

To register as a CSB, go to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage using the link shown. eMaryland Marketplace Advantage

MPA Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Information

Current regulations set the MBE Program's statewide aspirational goal at 29% across 70 participating agencies and departments.

Maryland’s MBE Program is well-recognized as a national model for minority inclusion. Administration of the MBE Program lies with the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs.

MPA Contracts valued at $100,000 and above are assessed to determine the potential for certified MBE subcontracting participation goals.

Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program

MPA Contracts valued at $100,000 and above are assessed to determine the potential for VSBE subcontracting participation goals.

Maryland’s VSBE Program provides contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesses. Designated agencies and departments are directed to spend at least 3% of the dollar value of their procurement contracts with certified VSBE firms.

Only the work of a certified VSBE firm, performing as either a prime contractor or a subcontractor, can be counted toward an established VSBE contract goal. There is no cost to obtain certification, and once certified, firms must renew every 3- years effective September 1st, 2025.