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Committee reviews pivot to competitive grants and contracts for small-business services
Summary
Montgomery County’s economic development committee reviewed a reworked Small Business Support Services (SBSS) plan that shifts funds into a mix of ongoing contractor contracts and new competitive solicitations totaling $1.7 million; members asked for clearer accounting, outreach and follow-up before funds are dispersed.
Montgomery County’s Economic Development Committee on Tuesday reviewed a restructured approach to its Small Business Support Services program that blends continuing contracts with new competitive solicitations and pilot programs.
Council staff said the county executive initially proposed a 3% inflationary adjustment that totaled $1,713,075 but that the administration and committee instead retooled the NDA into a new program totaling $1,700,000. "The county executive had recommended only a 3% inflationary adjustment...but we sort of realized that that was not an accurate description of how the NDA would be used this year," council staff said. The committee asked county executive staff for an update before dispersing funds.
County executive staff emphasized the change is effectively a new program: "I do have to say ... these are contracts because these are contracts, not grants," the administration representative said, stressing the county will engage current partners while creating opportunities for new contractors. The staff overview listed a proposed split that includes continuing noncompetitive awards and several new competitive solicitations.
Committee members sought clearer accounting of how appropriations, contract totals and unspent balances interact. Council staff walked the committee through a supplemental table comparing FY25 approved amounts, unspent balances as of June, FY26 SBSS appropriations and total contract amounts and suggested the administration clarify differences where invoice draws have changed balances.
The committee requested the administration circulate full solicitation documents to the entire council and planned a fall follow-up to review solicitation outcomes and FY27 criteria. The session ended with members thanking staff for the update and adjourning the committee.
