QST, Inc.

WMATA assigns DBE participation goals on a contract-by-contract basis on federally funded construction contracts having a total dollar value greater than $500,000 and on non-construction procurements (i.e., contracts for services, supplies and equipment) having a total value greater than $100,000. QST, Inc has been an approved vendor since 2004 and has participated in sub-contracting agreements with Mid-American Elevator Company providing technical and electrical support.

The process of becoming certified as a minority-owned business for the purposes of participating in special programs like those offered by the NMSDC and the SBA’s 8(a) are significant, but the benefits of being a minority-owned business with certification are significant too.

QST,Inc is MBE Certified in New Your, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, WSSC, WMATA, Montgomery County Local Small Business Program, Capital Region Minority Supplier, Maryland Small Business Program, Florida, North Carolina and is in good standing in each state. From federal and government agencies to private corporations, there are many organizations that want to do business with minority-owned businesses and would even prefer to do so and QST, Inc has been selected as one of the TOP100MBE out of 5,000 firms. QST, Inc is also certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Many federal government agencies are even mandated to reward a substantial number of contracts to certified minority-owned businesses. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires that at least 10 percent of the money spent on contracts for certain projects go to businesses that are minority-owned, and entities (such as state transportation agencies) that receive DOT funding are required to develop Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs to ensure compliance.

DBEs are for-profit small business concerns were socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations. Government agencies are not the only organizations that want to award work to minority-owned businesses. The corporations that work with members of the NMSDC include such illustrious brands as IBM, Microsoft, Marriott and many others.

The Maryland/District of Columbia Minority Supplier Development Council (MD/DC MSDC) is a privately funded, non-profit, small business development organization established in 1972. Its' primary objectives are to enhance business opportunities and educational development by consolidating the interests and resources of major corporations and minority business enterprises (MBEs). The Council's services and programs provide both minority suppliers and corporate representatives varied opportunities to build mutually productive working relationships. QST, Inc has been a member of this organization since 2004.

The DBE Program covers contracts that are funded in part or in whole with federal dollars. This program provides opportunities to firms who meet the federal eligibility standards for DBEs. The Authority must comply with Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR Part 26, when certifying DBEs. To qualify as a DBE under 49 CFR Part 26, a business must be a small business (as defined by the Small Business Administration) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. African American, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans and women are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged. QST, Inc has been an qualified vendor since 2005.

In 2005, QST, Inc was selected as one of the five vendors for the Request for Proposal: 7141.1 to supply Telecommunication and Network Wiring Installation and Integration Support for Montgomery County Public Schools. These services requires a firm to be specializes in three critical areas of cable installing which includes Material Supply, Low Voltage Wiring Design and Installation, and Cable Installation Work Force Development. Within these core competencies, our Wiring professionals have decades of experience, world-class skills, and state-of-the-art expertise in the Full Project Life-Cycle Management, Management of Phases with in the Project Life-Cycle and Material Logistics

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides health and social services to clients in need in the County. DHHS manages funds received from the County (MCG) General funds and Grant funds. These MCG Funds are financed through County tax revenue, State of Maryland grants and pass-through, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. DHHS also manages the disbursement of funds set aside by the State of Maryland Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program in a separate account that is owned by the State. In addition, the department processes vouchers/invoices into State and Federal Systems for payment by these independent entities

The Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP) is one measure that helps sustain economic growth. Passage of the Local Small Business Reserve Program was the result of cooperation between my office, the County Council and stakeholders in the business community. Under the LSRBP program, Montgomery County Government’s departments and agencies must commit to allocate 20% of their purchases of goods and services from the small business community. In FY16, the County spent $87.5 million with local small businesses, an amount equal to 24.3% of total eligible spending for LSBRP.