Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman issued an Executive Order this week making changes to the county’s procurement practices aimed to benefit local businesses. As reported by the Baltimore Sun,

The change will have the county’s purchasing office certify companies maintaining a principal place of business in Howard County.

It then encourages county agencies to use certified local businesses when they purchase goods valued under a cutoff of $10,000. For deals of more than $10,000, purchasers will have to notify local businesses of solicitations. Solicitations done under sealed bids will also be able to be evaluated in part on whether local businesses are involved.

The Executive Order also encourages grant fund recipients to use their funds at local businesses.