{"id":4881,"date":"2025-10-01T10:31:29","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dgs\/?p=4881"},"modified":"2025-10-01T10:31:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:31:29","slug":"marylands-landmark-procurement-reform-act-takes-effect-october-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dgs\/2025\/10\/01\/marylands-landmark-procurement-reform-act-takes-effect-october-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland\u2019s Landmark Procurement Reform Act\u00a0Takes Effect October 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Comprehensive reform championed by Department of General Services and Governor Wes Moore modernizes the state’s procurement process<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANNAPOLIS, MD<\/strong> (October 1)<\/strong> \u2013 The Procurement Reform Act of 2025\u2014landmark legislation championed by Governor Wes Moore<\/a> to modernize Maryland\u2019s procurement system\u2014officially takes effect on October 1, 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing the most significant overhaul of the state\u2019s procurement processes in decades, the Act enhances efficiency, expands access for small businesses, and creates a more agile, responsive system for both contractors and state agencies. The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate<\/a> and received bipartisan support in the House of Delegates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBuilding new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all requires more than paving over the cracks of what\u2019s broken\u2014we need to reform entire systems,\u201d said Gov. Moore<\/strong>. \u201cBy transforming how our state awards government contracts, we are paving the way for an economy that is both growing and inclusive. This is what it looks like to leave no one behind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial changes taking effect this week provide procurement officers with greater flexibility in decision-making and communication with bidders. Additional initiatives will roll out in the coming months, including the launch of the Veteran-Owned Small Business Reserve Program, which will strengthen Maryland\u2019s commitment to supporting certified veteran-owned businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis comprehensive reform reflects Maryland’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and forward-thinking governance,\u201d said Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry.<\/strong> \u201cThis is not the finish line, this is the starting point for a new era for Maryland businesses – one marked by strategic alignment, operational agility, and a sustained commitment to building a fairer, faster, and more future-ready state procurement system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis reform is more than just policy\u2014it\u2019s a strategic lever for equity, innovation, and impact,\u201d said State Chief Procurement Officer Wallace Sermons II. <\/strong>\u201cThe Procurement Reform Act is about transforming how we think about the government’s role in creating opportunity. Grounded in a deep understanding of the procurement landscape and the challenges our vendors and agencies face, this reform establishes a new vision for how Maryland can deliver\u2014fairer, more inclusive, and more accountable. It reflects Maryland\u2019s commitment to a modern procurement system that fosters innovation, builds trust, and positions the government as a true partner in progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur small, minority, women and veteran-owned businesses are the heart of GOSBA\u2019s work,\u201d said the Governor\u2019s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs Special Secretary Maria Martinez. <\/strong>\u201cThrough collaboration with DGS, agency partners, and our small but mighty team, these reforms are designed to open doors, remove barriers, and expand opportunities for all.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key provisions of the Procurement Reform Act of 2025 include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n