County to recognize additional federal and state certifications beginning July 1
Montgomery County is making it easier for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses to compete for County contracts.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Montgomery County Office of Procurement will recognize the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certifications under the County’s Minority, Female and Disabled-Owned Business (MFD) Program. The County will also begin accepting Maryland’s Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) certification through its Veteran Business Preference Program.
The change expands opportunities for thousands of certified businesses while reducing administrative burdens by allowing firms to use certifications they have already earned through federal and state programs. With these additions, Montgomery County will now recognize seven certification pathways through its MFD Program. Vendors may upload their certification information to the County Vendor Registration System.
“One of my priorities has been making sure more local businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for County contracts,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Women-owned and veteran-owned businesses are an important part of our local economy. Last year, nearly $274 million in County contracts went to businesses participating in our MFD program. Recognizing these certifications removes barriers, streamlines the process and helps more businesses participate in Montgomery County’s procurement programs.”
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MFD Program by the Numbers
- Approximately 800 active MFD-certified businesses registered with Montgomery County.
- Nearly $274 million in eligible County contracts awarded to MFD-certified businesses in Fiscal Year 2025.
- Approximately 14,500 SBA-certified Women-Owned Small Businesses participating in the federal marketplace.
The SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business certification is available to firms that are at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens and meet federal small business requirements. There are an estimated 14,500 certified WOSB firms participating in the federal marketplace.
“Montgomery County is committed to creating a procurement environment that is accessible, inclusive and competitive,” said Office of Procurement Director Ash Shetty. “We recognize the SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB) and Maryland Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) certifications as trusted and rigorous standards, and we are proud to accept them. Leveraging these established certifications expands opportunities for qualified firms, reduces administrative burdens and helps ensure that women-owned and veteran-owned businesses have a fair and efficient path to participate in public contracting opportunities.”
“This is a meaningful win for women entrepreneurs across Montgomery County,” said Karen Sippel, managing director, Maryland Women’s Business Center, a program hosted by Rockville Economic Development, Inc. “Accepting the SBA Women-Owned Small Business certification removes a real barrier and sends a clear message that Montgomery County values women-owned businesses as partners. At the Maryland Women’s Business Center, we work every day with entrepreneurs building serious, scalable companies and this change opens doors for them in a very tangible way.”
To learn more about the Office of Procurement, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pro
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Read the original article at mcgov