Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 71

Bill Title: Procurement - Small Business Reserve Program - Sunset Extension

Bill Sponsor(s): Ch. EHE (Dept. - DGS)

Subject: Procurement

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: This bill will extend the sunset on the Small Business Reserve Program until 2016.

History: The Small Business Reserve Program was created in 2004. It requires 23 state agencies to structure their purchases to reserve at least 10% of their procurements to only be bid on by certified small businesses. The program was extended in 2007, but is scheduled to sunset October 1, 2010. In FY 08 $131 million in contracts were awarded under the program.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: The Small Business Reserve Program expands opportunities for Maryland small businesses to compete for state procurements. Unbundling state procurements increases competition for state projects and services, while strengthening Maryland's small business sector.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.