The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee of Prince George's County convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss significant changes to procurement policies aimed at enhancing participation from local businesses. The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed legislation, CB 37-2025, which seeks to adjust the county's participation requirements for county-based small and minority business enterprises (MBEs).

The committee reviewed the recommendation to reduce the county-based participation requirement from 50% to 35% for procurements exceeding $1 million. This change is intended to alleviate the burden of waivers that have been frequently requested due to a lack of available county-based businesses capable of fulfilling contract requirements. The rationale provided by the administration emphasized the need for flexibility in attracting larger vendors who can subcontract with local businesses, thereby fostering opportunities for smaller enterprises.

During the meeting, County Executive Liaison Miss Skinner highlighted the potential for administrative efficiency and cost savings as favorable indirect fiscal impacts of the proposed changes. However, concerns were raised regarding the adverse effects on support for county-based small and minority businesses, which could lead to a decrease in tax revenue from these entities.

Committee members expressed apprehension about the implications of lowering the participation percentage. Questions were raised about the availability of a comprehensive list of certified MBEs to ensure that local vendors are aware of upcoming opportunities. The Office of Procurement's Director, Pamela Dickerson, assured the committee that efforts are being made to engage local businesses and facilitate their participation in the procurement process.

The discussion also touched on the importance of outreach and communication with local vendors, with committee members noting that many businesses feel uninformed about available opportunities. There was a consensus on the need for improved efforts to connect local businesses with procurement opportunities, particularly in sectors like medical services, where local providers have expressed interest but faced barriers to entry.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the proposed legislation and its potential impacts on local businesses. The committee plans to continue discussions on how to effectively balance the need for larger vendors with the goal of supporting county-based small and minority businesses. The next steps will involve gathering additional feedback and refining the approach to ensure equitable opportunities for all businesses in Prince George's County.