The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Minority Business Enterprise program has designated BA Systems, LLC as an MBE/DBE (Minority Business Enterprise/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise). This certification entitles BA to offer its wide range of computer software design and information technology expertise to MDOT and other Maryland state agencies as an MBE. Additionally, this certification enables BA to help non-MBE companies and large prime contractors meet the MBE participation requirements for many state projects.
With the push to get more minority firms involved with the state procurement process, many state projects require that specific amounts of the contracting effort are supplied by MBE/DBE certified companies. Agencies have been mandated to have varying levels of work to be performed by MBE certified companies. The primary recipients of most state projects are still larger firms, but non-MBE contractors can be penalized for not meeting these award requirements. “The MBE certification extends BA’s services and solution offerings to a greater audience. This opportunity will lead to more avenues of growth as we help larger companies and agencies satisfy their minority business award goals,” says Ayisat Herbert, CEO. Specifically, BA’s expertise in workforce automation, automated field data collection, and information delivery solutions are excellent fits for opportunities with MDOT and many state agencies.
Minority firms contribute a significant amount of commerce to our state and national economies. According to the latest Census data, Black Americans and other minority groups are more likely to start or open a new enterprise. As a newly certified member of the MBE program, BA will do its part by strengthening Maryland’s IT infrastructure and help contribute to the gross domestic product and continuing commercial growth of Maryland.
About the MDOT MBE Program Technologies
Maryland enacted the State MBE Program in 1978, which was the same year the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program was enacted. Federal and State regulations were developed to provide additional detail. Businesses must apply for certification and provide evidence of ownership and control by the minority person(s) as part of the MBE certification process.
A MBE is a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more minority persons. A minority is generally defined as an individual who is African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, a Woman or a Disabled person. Additionally, the State also recognizes non-profit firms that are organized to promote the interests of the physically or mentally disabled. The Federal Government DBE Program also includes Alaskan Natives, Pacific Islanders, Aleuts, and persons who are not minorities but who are socially and economically disadvantaged in its definition. The socially and economically disadvantaged owners must demonstrate longstanding, chronic and substantial disadvantage since the business is not owned by persons in the cited minority groups. For more information, visit http://www.mdot.state.md.us.
About BA Systems
BA Systems is one of the leading developers of custom information systems. Our mission is to help our customers gain and maintain a competitive advantage against their peers. We foster a culture of innovation and creativity, using our expertise in advanced software development and mobile systems to build solutions that help our customers take full advantage of new technologies that simplify their operations. For more information, visit http://www.basystemsllc.com/about_ba.html.
