The MBEPB is statewide in its scope, but the majority of facilities are located in Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Washington suburbs. The MBEPB operates facilities on Federal, State, municipal and private property and includes retail/concession stores, snack bars, coffee/sandwich shops, card and gift stores, and cafeterias.
Each vendor has an investment in making their business a success because they are self-employed entrepreneurs.MBEPB facilities range from a single operator sundry store to a full-line cafeteria. They provide a wide range of services including catering and temporary services as needed for the building population. These retail facilities range from a single operator concession store to a full-line cafeteria employing 18 to 20 individuals with an annual sales volume in excess of $800,000. In addition to the traditional retail type of facility, the MBEPB has three contracts with the military to provide troop dining. These are large operations, which serve up to 6,000 meals per day.
DORS administers the program with the active participation of the Committee of Blind Vendors. The committee consists of eight vendors elected by their peers for a two-year term. The committee provides input and helps establish administrative policy, assists in training of new vendors, and has input on all major decisions effecting the operation of the program.
The MBEPB continues to expand its opportunities for blind managers and continually works with federal, state and local officials to provide new locations as well as renovations to existing facilities.
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