Montgomery County in Maryland is expanding its procurement and contracting opportunities to make it easier for women- and veteran-owned businesses. From July 1st, the county’s Office of Procurement will recognize the US Small Business Administration’s certifications under its Minority, Female, and Disabled-owned (MFD) program.

The certifications being considered under the program include WOSB (women-owned small business) and EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged women-owned small business).

The MFD program helps the certified businesses gain access to prime contractor and subcontractor opportunities within the county’s agencies. With the newly enacted changes, the program expands contracting opportunities for thousands of certified businesses, while reducing administrative hassles.

Vendors can upload certification details on the County Vendor Registration System. 

There are approximately 800 active MFD-certified businesses, and nearly $274 million in county contracts was awarded to the registered businesses in 2025.

“Montgomery County is committed to creating a procurement environment that is accessible, inclusive and competitive,” said Office of Procurement Director Ash Shetty. “Leveraging these established certifications expands opportunities for qualified firms, reduces administrative burdens and helps ensure that women-owned and veteran-owned businesses have a fair and efficient path to participate in public contracting opportunities.” 

Karen Sippel, managing director of the Maryland Women's Business Center, explained, “Accepting the SBA Women-Owned Small Business certification removes a real barrier and sends a clear message that Montgomery County values women-owned businesses as partners.”

To be eligible for the county’s MFD program, the business must be 51% owned, controlled, and managed by a minority person(s) as defined by the county code, including African-American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, Disabled Persons, and Women.