Prince George's County - Procurement Preference Programs - Regulation PG 404-26

HB 376 authorizes Prince George's County to establish and regulate procurement preference programs for the county public school system and Prince George's Community College, aiming to increase participation by minority-owned businesses in county contracts. The bill requires the county to first conduct a fact-finding study to assess the need for such a program, and if justified, set specific goals and definitions for "minority business enterprises" (MBEs). Key mechanisms include mandatory set-asides (reserving contract portions for MBEs), bonus points for MBE bids, reduced bonding requirements, and outreach programs to support MBE participation. The county must evaluate the program biennially and report findings to the county delegation.