1604                                    LAWS OF MARYLAND                                 Ch. 294

STATE, MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, TECHNOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE,
ADMINISTRATIVE METHODS, PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENTS, FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
AFFECTING SMALL BUSINESS, AND ANY OTHER NEWS OR INFORMATION
HELPFUL TO SMALL BUSINESS; AND

(2) INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE TO ANY SMALL BUSINESS THAT REQUESTS THE SERVICE.
THE CONSULTATION AND ASSISTANCE MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION
CONCERNING PROCUREMENT OF INVESTMENT CAPITAL, MANAGEMENT,
ADMINISTRATION, PRODUCTION, PRODUCT MARKETING, COMPLIANCE
WITH GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS, AND BUSINESS EXPANSION,
RENOVATION, AND DIVERSIFICATION.

266FF-3.

(A) THE DIRECTOR, SHALL COORDINATE WITH FEDERAL,
STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO
EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES OF THIS SUBTITLE, AVOID A
DUPLICATION OF SERVICES, AND SOLICIT AND OBTAIN COOPERATION
AND ANY AVAILABLE FUNDS OR GRANTS TO AID SMALL BUSINESSES IN
THIS STATE.

(B) THE DIRECTOR SHALL ACT AS AN ADVOCATE TO ASSURE
THAT SMALL BUSINESS RECEIVE FAIR AND NONDISCRIMINATORY
CONSIDERATION IN THE LETTING OF BIDS AND CONTRACTS UNDER
WHICH STATE FUNDS ARE TO BE USED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AND TO
ASSURE THAT SMALL BUSINESSES RECEIVE FAIR AND EQUAL ACCESS
TO ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE BIDDING OR CONTRACTING
PROCESS.

(C) THE DIRECTOR SHALL ASSIST POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN
APPLYING FOR FEDERAL GRANTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF SMALL
BUSINESSES IN HIGH CRIME AREAS.

(D) (B) WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THE DIRECTOR SHALL UTILIZE
THE SERVICES OF EXISTING GOVERNMENTAL, EDUCATIONAL,
BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL, AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR
PERSONNEL ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. ANY PERSON WHO, AT THE
REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR, PROVIDES VOLUNTARY ASSISTANCE TO
THE MARYLAND OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SHALL BE
REIMBURSED FOR TRAVEL COSTS AND OTHER REASONABLE AND
NECESSARY EXPENSES.

(E) (C) THE DIRECTOR MAY PROCURE THE TEMPORARY OR
INTERMITTENT SERVICES OF ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATIONS,
EXPERTS, AND CONSULTANTS ON A CONTRACTUAL BASIS.

(F) (D) THE DIRECTOR SHALL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGARD TO THE OPERATION
OF THE OFFICE, INCLUDING SUGGESTED LEGISLATION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the
Department shall submit to the General Assembly, not later
than January 1, 1984, an evaluation of the efficacy of the
Office of Small Business Assistance, including the