Maryland renamed the certification from SBR to CSB. SBR is the procurement program, and CSB is the certification. [Maryland CSB guidance]
Who qualifies
Independent for-profit businesses meeting the state’s industry-specific employee and gross-sales limits. [Maryland CSB guidance]
The business cannot be a broker, a subsidiary or dominant in its field. [Maryland CSB guidance]
Meet both the applicable employee and gross-sales tests. The source lists six industry categories and how to calculate figures for businesses under three years old. [Maryland CSB guidance]
A typical processing time is not stated in the official sources reviewed. [Maryland CSB guidance]
What it unlocks
Compete for SBR-designated procurements reserved for certified small businesses and receive applicable Small Business Preference consideration. [Maryland CSB guidance]
DBE eligibility requires individual evidence of social and economic disadvantage. Race or sex alone does not establish eligibility under the current federal rule. [49 CFR 26.67]
Who qualifies
For-profit small businesses at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who control daily operations. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
Meet applicable small-business limits and demonstrate genuine ownership and control. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
Qualifying owners must provide a personal narrative with individualized evidence of disadvantage, economic harm and a current personal-net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67]
Provide ownership, financial, licensing and business records and cooperate with the certifier’s interview and site review. [49 CFR 26.83]
Maryland’s FAQ says processing can take several months after a completed application is received. [Maryland certification FAQ]
What it unlocks
Certification establishes eligibility to participate as a DBE in covered transportation procurement. Check the UCP’s current reevaluation status before relying on contract goals. [49 CFR 26.83][USDOT UCP directory]
Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility, Office of Minority Business Enterprise. Official program information
Sources reviewed .
Who qualifies
Businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by qualifying minority or women owners who meet the state’s disadvantage criteria. [Maryland certification FAQ]
Maryland and out-of-state applicants must be registered and in good standing with Maryland’s Department of Assessments and Taxation. [Maryland MBE guidance]
The qualifying owner must meet the state MBE personal-net-worth standard; the FAQ explains exclusions and the current limit. [Maryland certification FAQ]