Office of Business Programs Hosts First Business Opportunities Information Session

Secretary Bassette opens the Business Opportunities Information Session.

The Office of Business Programs conducted the first of what will be monthly, industry-specific business information sessions on January 28. The initiative is a follow-up to the very successful state-sponsored Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit held last November, where more than 400 businesses received valuable information about the over $1 billion in contracting opportunities with DGS and MDOT.

The business information sessions build on the momentum from the Business Summit. They represent the agency’s continuing, proactive outreach to provide access to opportunities to do business with the State for small, local, woman, minority and veteran-owned businesses.

“I’m aware of the challenges small businesses have in successfully competing for state contracts,” Secretary Bassette told the group. “We want to make sure you get your fair share of the hundreds of millions of dollars the State spends on services and commodities every year.” The Secretary operated a small business for more than 20 years before joining the Hogan Administration. Under her leadership, the company was awarded multi-year, multi-million dollar government contracts.

The first information session was for companies that provide roofing services. Participants heard from Ken Langkam, project manager and team leader for the roofing unit; Doug Karmasek, Deputy Chief, Construction; and James Keel, Chief, Maintenance Engineering. Presentations included an overview of DGS roofing projects, identifying contracting opportunities, contract forms and requirements, and invoicing.

“We’re building on Governor Hogan’s commitment to change Maryland for the better by expanding the pool of small businesses that can provide services to the State,” said Jack Howard, Director of Business Programs. “This starts with being more transparent and making information about contract opportunities available to these companies.”

At the close of the information session, David Parrino of Chase Home Improvement expressed the shared sentiments of the participants, saying that it opened new business horizons and provided the motivation to learn more about how to successfully compete for state contracts.

The next business information session, scheduled for February 25, will focus on HVAC and plumbing services. Future topics include architecture and engineering, and electrical services.