Small and Diverse Business Program
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO or the Cooperative) has developed a Small and Diverse Business Program to:
- Achieve the defined goal per the July 15, 2009 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), which states:
“To voluntarily pursue a target goal of 25 percent of eligible procurements from minority-, woman-, and service related disabled veteran-owned businesses, and not-for-profit entities organized to promote the interests of physically or mentally disabled individuals.”
Currently, the Cooperative has reported its progress at 6.04 percent.
- Comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs)
In 2009, the Cooperative acquired U.S. Navy facilities as part of an electric utility privatization contract. FARs require a Small Business Subcontracting Plan be administered. Currently, the Cooperative is exceeding this requirement.
Objectives of SMECO's Small and Diverse Business Program
- To continually leverage and support existing statewide and regional business resources, such as Maryland Utility Forum on Supplier Diversity and Southern Maryland Minority Business Opportunities Task Force, which has developed the SmartBiz Tool.
- To exercise capabilities of the Cooperative’s supplier management partner, CVM Solutions, to match requests by prime contractors for local suppliers that have registered in the Cooperative’s supplier database.
Primary Procurement Opportunities at SMECO - Exemptions
- Utility system engineering, construction, and maintenance services
- Utility system equipment
- Professional services (consulting, etc.)
- Technology services
- Office equipment and products
- Building and facilities maintenance services
- Miscellaneous business support
SMECO's Expectations of the Business community
The business community can improve working relationships with small and diverse businesses and develop a thriving alliance with local organizations to benefit the local business community.
- This can be accomplished by soliciting input from small and diverse businesses and identifying their challenges and objectives.
- Coordinating with organizations to develop workshops for:
- Providing assistance in understanding the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
- Providing assistance in obtaining certifications as a small or diverse business from recognized certifying agencies and organizations.
- Recognizing and pursuing the advantages of teaming, partnering, or subcontracting with a larger prime contractor.
SMECO's Expectations of the Individual Supplier
Small and diverse businesses can take positive steps to participate in procurement opportunities with SMECO by following these guidelines:
- Register online as a supplier in SMECO’s supplier database. Be properly certified as a small or diverse supplier.
- Become acquainted with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
- Be competitive.
- Take advantage of teaming, partnering, and subcontracting opportunities.
- Join or access available organizations and resources such as:
- Southern Maryland Minority Business Opportunities Task Force (MBOT) and register in the SmartBiz Directory and associated SmartBiz Tool.
- Small Business Development Center
- Maryland Procurement & Technical
- Assistance Program
- Chambers of Commerce
- Business alliances
- Provide feedback to SMECO to develop a positive exchange of information to solve current issues and introduce new initiatives and ideas.
Under SMECO's MOU with the PSC, certain procurements are exempt:
- Standard Offer Service procurement
- Power supply related procurements (power purchases, transmission fees, etc.)
- Utilities (electricity, telecommunications, water, sewer, etc.)
- Compensation to directors, employees, etc. (payroll, benefits, director fees, etc.)
- Tax payments (all) and government-related payments
- Capital credits
- Permits, freight charges, business travel expenses, claims, philanthropic contributions, etc.
Contact Us
To register online as a supplier, visit smeco.cvmsolutions.com.
For questions, please contact:
Tom Tudor
Contract Administrator, SMECO
P.O. Box 1937
Hughesville, MD 20637-1937
Office: 301-274-4459
Fax: 301-274-1809