Comptroller Brooke Lierman joined Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Treasurer Dereck Davis for a meeting of the Board of Public Works on Wednesday to approve more than $1.1 billion for 150 initiatives and projects throughout Maryland. Wednesday’s meeting also included the annual bond sale. 

 

Comptroller Lierman commended the Moore-Miller administration on their announcement Tuesday to help Maryland reach its climate change goals and his approach outlined to state agencies. 

 

“I appreciate you requiring agencies to submit the plans and to identify how the steps are taken to implement the climate reduction plan,” Comptroller Lierman said. “I look forward to working with you and the Treasurer as a member of this body because we know that state procurement can play a really crucial role in the effort when we align our purchasing decisions with our sustainability and emission reduction goals. I think it also assures taxpayers that consideration of the impact of climate change and environmental threats are an integral part of the procurement proposals and decisions, including the many aspects of the state’s infrastructure.” 

 

The Comptroller then shared that the Office of the Comptroller will release a report Thursday afternoon on the procurement economy in Maryland, with research conducted by a team of economists from Drexel University. The report will highlight the impact of local, state, and federal procurement on Maryland’s economy as well as opportunities and challenges linked to the participation of Maryland-based firms. 

 

After a discussion and testimony on a request from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to award Centurion of Maryland a contract for medical and mental health services in its prison facilities throughout the state, Comptroller Lierman took time to remind vendors and agencies of the role of the Board of Public Works, and the importance of following administrative and judicial processes that exist for the benefit of Maryland taxpayers. 

 

“The Maryland State Board of Public Works exists to resolve the contracts. However, we won’t allow the state to be taken advantage of and for Marylanders to suffer when vendors bring forward frivolous appeals. So, we will continue to bring a keen eye and our judgment to the contracts that are coming to us. And we will look forward to doing that with the Governor and the Treasurer in the future.” 

 

On an item regarding her own agency, Comptroller Lierman said a modification to a contract with Revenue Solutions Inc. for a new Integrated Tax System Solution was necessary to implement new, revenue-generating legislation enacted during the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  

 

After a short recess, the three-member board ratified a request from the state treasurer concerning the sale of $1.2 billion in general obligation bonds, including $1 billion in tax-exempt bonds and $200 million in taxable bonds. The bonds will be sold in three bidding groups. 

 

The summary figures for the Board of Public Works are as follows: 

• Approved 150 items, representing a total State expenditure of $1,141,860,215.74 

• Approved grant agreements for 14 recipients for 15 projects located in 8 counties and Baltimore City with a total value of $20,766,000. 

• 9 items awarding $16,231,306.45 to prime certified small business primes 

• 6 items awarding $14,775,673.46 to certified minority business enterprise primes. 

• 3 items awarding $919,708.49 to Employment Works Program providers. 

• 11 items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises. 

• 4 items awarded with established participation goals for veteran-owned small business enterprises. 

 

The next meeting of the Board of Public Works is July 3.