Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman released the following statement in response to an Executive Order issued by Governor Wes Moore today, emphasizing the importance of an efficient, equitable, and competitive procurement system in Maryland: 
 

“Governor Wes Moore and his team have demonstrated a commitment to improving state procurement and adjacent socioeconomic programs, allowing Maryland to make tangible steps toward building a more equitable and competitive environment for small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. 

“As a member of the Board of Public Works, I am proud to meet with my colleagues nearly every other week to examine and consider state contracts that meet those very ideals through a transparent and collaborative process. 

Since my term began, my team has engaged and collaborated with the Moore-Miller administration, Treasurer Dereck Davis, contractors, and dozens of additional stakeholders to understand, critique, and thoughtfully reimagine how best to create efficiencies in our sometimes-onerous procurement process and improve opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses - all while encouraging innovation. My office alone has met with nearly 70 different stakeholders about their experiences doing business with Maryland. In June, we also issued the Maryland Procurement Playbook, which analyzed the current opportunities and challenges in the federal, state, and local procurement economy.  
 
“We have met to propose or discuss many of the ideas outlined in today’s Executive Order, and this policy documents key policies and recommendations that align with national best practices. Today’s executive order is an important step toward streamlining the procurement process and empowering more small and minority-owned businesses as they access and navigate the opportunities available in this marketplace.

I look forward to partnering with the Moore-Miller administration in implementing the polices being presented today. A strong, efficient procurement system is how we build up Maryland’s small businesses, help close the racial wealth gap, and drive the economy.”