Supplier Diversity Program
The University of Toledo is continuing to enhance our Supplier Diversity Program to align with the goals and objectives of the University's Strategic Plan. The University Purchasing Office in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is also working together to address the elements of the UT Diversity Strategic Plan, specifically Goal 5 which is all about supplier diversity. The purpose of our program is to create a more diverse and inclusive supplier base and ensure that certified suppliers are provided access and opportunity to compete for goods, services, and construction contracts with the University.
The University is committed to the inclusion of certified diverse businesses as an integral part of its supply chain management efforts and is a normal part of our procurement process. Purchasing consistently is searching for certified suppliers that offer competitive prices and quality items and services that meet the needs of our campus community. Through our Supplier Diversity program the University recognizes its responsibility to the communities we serve, and the society in which we conduct our business. No potential supplier will be precluded from consideration based on race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
Our Mission – to provide opportunities for diverse supplier businesses within our community and surrounding areas to grow and prosper which will have a positive impact on economic growth for the region.
The university created a supplier diversity policy back in 2010 and at that time was mainly focused on the State of Ohio Certified Minority and EDGE programs. Our most recent update took this to a new level and now recognizes all certified diverse categories of suppliers. See the chart below for education on the many various categories our suppliers may be certified in. A supplier may hold more than one certification. While we strive to keep business local within our region or state, there may be times when it is necessary to extend our reach beyond the region or state border.
Certifying entities can be local, state, or national. Independent certification of diversity status is instrumental to our partnerships with diverse suppliers. We highly encourage those interested in doing business with the university to pursue and maintain certification. Links to many of the well-known certifying agencies are provided as useful resources for our suppliers who may be seeking certification and for our internal customers when sourcing suppliers for procurement needs.
Tier 2 Opportunities
There are many categories of spend that lend themselves to tier 2 opportunities and should not be overlooked by the supplier community. While a direct or primary contract may not be available, aligning your company as a tier 2 provider/sub-contractor is also a way in which to grow your business. Here is a list of some of these categories that typically lend themselves to tier 2 opportunities:
- Medical and surgical supplies
- Office Products
- IT hardware and peripherals
- Maintenance, Repair, and operations (MRO) supplies
- Scientific supplies and equipment
- Promotional Items
- Construction projects
If your company manufacturers a product in one of these categories, contact the contract manager of the category and they may be able to connect you with one of the many distributors the university utilizes.
Various Categories
| Ability One |
| Disabled |
| Large Minority Owned |
| Minority Asian American |
| Minority Small Disadvantaged |
| Minority Subcontinent Asian |
| Minority Woman Subcontinent Asian |
| Minority Women-Owned |
| Non-Profit |
| Small Business |
| Small Disadvantaged Business |
| Small Disadvantaged Minority 8A |
| Small Disadvantaged Minority Women Owned |
| VBE/SBE |
| Veteran Business Concern |
| Veteran Disabled |
| Women-Owned |