Developing University Wide Participation
Procurement buyers, contractors and other University decision-makers are encouraged to establish relationships with historically underutilized businesses.
University decision-makers are encouraged to use the Supplier Diversity Online Directory (SDOD) and hardcopy directory to identify minority and women-owned businesses.
Some of the techniques used to encourage University purchasers to use these targeted groups include:
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Attend nine trade fairs to meet new suppliers
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Award long-term contracts or renew options to help ensure continuous M/WBE participation
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Consider special payment terms
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Provide adequate quotation lead times
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Simplify paperwork requirements
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Assist Vendor in understanding the University's contracting/procurement process
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Encourage majority suppliers and contractors to utilize minority and women-owned businesses in their proposals or purchase orders as part of their terms and conditions in the bid process
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Inform vice presidents, deans, directors, business and fiscal officers on local, state and federal regulations that affect minority and women-owned businesses
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Maintain memberships and associations with minority and women-owned business councils
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Plan/develop recognition activities for departments that meet or exceed UAB's M/WBE goals and objectives
Training/Education
UAB's Supplier Diversity Department staff members conduct on-going in-service education sessions which focus on the increased utilization of minority and women-owned businesses.
These training sessions are conducted in classroom style and presented to invited representatives of various departments. The objective is to discuss the University's Supplier Diversity Program, located within the Office of the Vice President for Equity & Diversity - specifically, the utilization of minority and women-owned businesses. The groups vary in size, are informal and have a free interchange of ideas and suggestions.
The Reporting System
The Matrix Reporting System produces various reports on participation of minority and women-owned businesses. Reports are available shortly after the end of each quarter. The Reports provide sufficient detail to allow management to understand its level of participation, identify problems and assess what corrective actions can be taken.
The Department of Supplier Diversity collects and maintains current and historical data that relates to the utilization of minority and women-owned business enterprises.