SMECO is committed to increasing procurements from small and diverse businesses through its Supplier Diversity Program. SMECO has a goal per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC):
“to voluntarily pursue a target goal of 25% of eligible procurements from minority-, women-, service disabled veteran-, veteran-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses.”
How to Do Business with SMECO
We require suppliers for all procurement contracts and purchase orders to register through our supplier portal:
Register for SMECO’s Supplier Diversity Program
If the value of a contract exceeds $550,000, suppliers must report Tier 2 spending for any subcontractors used, to include Tier 2 Direct and Indirect. Use the portal above to submit Tier 2 reports.
SMECO’s Expectation of Suppliers:
- Register your company as a SMECO supplier
- Be certified by a third party as a small and/or diverse supplier
- Become familiar with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
- Provide competitive bids
- Take advantage of teaming, partnering, and subcontracting opportunities
- Join business organizations and access available resources
- Provide feedback to SMECO to develop a positive exchange of ideas and information to solve current issues and introduce new initiatives
Certification:
SMECO encourages all small and diverse suppliers to obtain the eligible federal and state recognized supplier certifications. The organizations listed below may be able to assist a small and diverse business with its business certification:
- College of Southern Maryland – Small Business Development Center
- Maryland Department of Transportation’s Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MBE) Program
- Minority Supplier Development Council
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC)
In addition, the local chambers of commerce, Maryland Procurement & Technical Assistance Program, and other business alliances can assist in identifying appropriate third parties who can certify a supplier as an eligible small or diverse business.
Primary Procurement Opportunities
- Electric utility transmission and distribution construction
- Professional services (engineering, consulting, etc.)
- Electric utility plant equipment (transformers, conductors, etc.)
- Technology services (information technology, security, etc.)
- Building and maintenance services of office buildings
- Office equipment and products
A Partner Within the Business Community
SMECO is proud to serve as community partner to a variety of statewide and regional organizations:
- Maryland Utility Forum on Supplier Diversity
- Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporations
- Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Prince George’s County Chambers of Commerce
- Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association (MWMCA)
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
- Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC)
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Calvert Minority Business Alliance
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Maryland LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
- National Veteran-owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
- Utility Industry Group (UIG)
Register Now
To register online: Visit SMECO’s Supplier Diversity Program
For more information: email SMECO Supplier Diversity