Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program

Maryland is committed to the growth and success of our small business community. In 2004, the state created the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program, providing small businesses with the opportunity to participate as prime contractors on state contracts by establishing a unique marketplace where small businesses compete against other small businesses instead of larger, more established companies.

Under state procurement law, the SBR Program directs 70 participating agencies/departments (increased from 23) to spend at least 15% (increased from 10%) of its fiscal year procurement expenditures on qualified small businesses.

Once a solicitation has been designated as “SBR,” an award can only be made to a registered SBR supplier. Registration is an online process through eMaryland. Suppliers attest to meeting the eligibility standards and must re-certify annually. There is no cost to participate in the SBR Program.

This is a race- and gender-neutral program. Minority status is not a criterion for participation in the SBR Program. ​

For-profit businesses, other than a broker, must meet defined eligibility standards to participate in this program as a certified SBR supplier.

Eligibility Standards

• The business is independently owned and operated
• The business is not a subsidiary of another business
• The business is not dominant in its field of operation
• The wholesale operations of the business did not employ more than 50 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $4,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years
• The retail operations of the business did not employ more than 25 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $3,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years
• The manufacturing operations of the business did not employ more than 100 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $2,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years
• The service operations of the business did not employ more than 100 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $10,000,000 in its more recently completed three fiscal years
• The construction operations of the business did not employ more than 50 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $7,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years
• The architectural and engineering operations of the business did not employ more than 100 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $4,500,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years

How to register for the SBR program

To register for the SMALL BUSINESS RESERVE (SBR) PROGRAM:

1. Register in eMaryland Marketplace Maryland’s Procurement Opportunities Portal for UMD, other State Education Institutions, and State and County agencies
2. Complete the optional Small Business Reserve (SBR) screens if eligible
3. For additional guidance on the SBR program with the State of Maryland please visit the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women’s Business Affairs (GOSBA)

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