The March 18, 2026, meeting of the Board of Estimates for Baltimore City included extensive discussions on procurement and contract management across multiple departments. Key procurement-related items included the approval of a sole source contract renewal for McAfee Election Services Inc. valued at $1,637,644 to support the Board of Elections, with plans to transition election support services in-house by 2028. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) addressed findings from a biannual performance audit highlighting deficiencies in emergency services and procurement card (p-card) controls, with commitments to update standard operating procedures and improve fiscal oversight by April 30, 2026. An unauthorized procurement payment of $200,340 was approved for Neighborly software subscription, critical for DHCD operations. The Department of General Services received approval for a $25,320.50 emergency payment to Aspen Building Products Inc. for urgent glass and blinds replacement. The Department of Public Works requested an extension for an emergency contract related to Montebello Water Filtration Plant repairs due to long lead times for custom equipment. Additionally, new positions were approved to support a yard waste diversion initiative under the city's zero waste program. The meeting also included a bid opening for citywide internet service providers and unarmed security services, with bids received from multiple vendors including Zayo Group LLC, Culture Wireless Group Inc., Cogent Communications, Metropolitan Protective Services Inc., Abacus Corporation, and Allied Universal Security Services. The Board took motions to approve or defer various items and emphasized the importance of transparency, fiscal controls, and trauma-informed service delivery in emergency housing assistance.

Board of Estimates Meeting; March 18, 2026