Building Supplier Relationships in Difficult Times

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

In early 2020, the Howard County, Maryland, Office of Procurement had just started planning an outreach program for local and MBE suppliers, setting up a schedule of in-person events and training opportunities. When the COVID-19 pandemic turned those plans upside down, the office regrouped and found new ways to safely reach suppliers in the community, provide information about upcoming contract opportunities, encourage networking with large prime contractors in the area, and offer information on the most effective ways to do business with the County and other local public agencies. Online events and regularly scheduled educational programs now allow local business owners to learn more about how Howard County Government and other local public agencies and private employers plan projects, review bids and proposals, use technology to optimize the solicitation process, and provide programs like our Local Business Initiative and Equal Business Opportunity Program.