Highlights from the Maryland State Procurement Event: A Powerful Reminder of Government's Role

This week, we attended the Maryland State Procurement Event, a gathering that reinforced the critical role public-sector contracting plays in economic development, equity, and service delivery.

As Maryland closes out its fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), the event spotlighted the state's commitment to small business participation and procurement transparency. Selected small businesses received the Governor’s Citation award and were recognized for their excellence across a range of industries. Attendees also gained valuable insight into contracting opportunities at the state level.

The event brought together state agency representatives and small businesses for open dialogue. The agencies present were refreshingly grounded and accessible, eager to connect, and committed to inclusion. Conversations went beyond compliance and contract thresholds to focus on building lasting supplier relationships and improving outcomes for Maryland residents.

A keynote address by Maryland’s Special Secretary, Maria Martinez, stood out as a reminder of what public programs can offer. Her remarks, grounded in lived experience, illustrated how access to the right resources at the right time can fundamentally change a person’s life. It was a powerful endorsement of the purpose behind procurement: to serve the public interest and ensure equitable distribution of opportunity.

In the current political climate, it's easy to become cynical about government efficiency. But this event underscored the importance of maintaining systems that work for everyone.  Systems that respond to human needs, invest in communities, and leverage taxpayer dollars with intention and care.

We left the event energized by the possibilities and proud to engage in work that sits at the intersection of public need and private expertise.