SLBE and MBE Programs

Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program

The Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program is a race- and gender-neutral program administered by the Office of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion (OSDI). The goal is to encourage significant participation in WSSC Water’s contracting opportunities and promote the sustainable economic growth of small firms primarily located in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, the Commission’s bi-county territory. 

Firms interested in applying to the SLBE Program should begin by reviewing the program guidelines and completing an application.  All completed applications should be emailed to SLBEProgram@wsscwater.com.  Do not mail or hand-deliver to WSSC Water Headquarters; only email submissions will be accepted.  For your convenience, the SLBE application, guidelines and a list of recognized certifications are available in the links below.

Application Links

• SLBE Guidelines (PDF 705 KB)
• SLBE Application (PDF 862 KB)
• Recognized Certifications (PDF 119 KB)

Service-Disabled Veteran Firms

In addition to our SLBE firms, WSSC Water recognizes certified Service-Disabled Veteran (SDV) firms who also meet the approval criteria for the SLBE Program.  SDV firms interested in receiving this designation should follow the SLBE application process. 

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program

The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program recognizes Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications from the five local and regional  entities below.

Utilization of Local MBEs

WSSC Water strongly encourages vendors to utilize local MBE firms from Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.  You can find a list of local MBE firms at the WSSC Water Supplier Portal, or contact us at supplierdiversity@wsscwater.com for a list of local MBE firms by NAICS code. 

Recent Revisions to the MBE/SLBE Program

WSSC Water’s Commissioners approved the 2022 Disparity Study results and adopted revisions to the MBE Program. The chart below highlights the updated participation preferences for MBE and SLBE firms. For more information, visit the Disparity Study | WSSC Water page or email us at DisparityStudy@wsscwater.com.

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