Procurement - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Reevaluation Assistance Program - Established

HB 1206 establishes the DBE Reevaluation Assistance Program to help Maryland-based businesses certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) with federal certification (as of October 3, 2025) that must undergo reevaluation or face recertification denial. The program, to be created by the Department of Social and Economic Mobility in collaboration with the Department of Commerce by December 1, 2026, provides direct support including help with application preparation, financial documentation, ownership verification, and legal structure compliance. It also allows partnerships with third parties like small business development centers and law school clinics to deliver these services. The bill specifically targets DBEs needing assistance navigating reevaluation processes, not broader business support.