Q: Does UAB bid all items?
No. However, we are required by state law to bid certain commodities and services totaling $7500 or more.
Q: Are "Request for Quotations" (RFQ) selected for bid only among small, minority and women-owned firms?
No. The University has an "all inclusive policy." This means that all vendors that have made application with the Purchasing Department, asking to be considered for specific commodities and services, will receive the same opportunity to bid.
Q: Being a small minority or women-owned firm, will I be guaranteed business not meeting the criteria for the formal competitive bid process?
No. We cannot guarantee any vendor a contract. However, you can be assured of a chance to submit a quote on business opportunities at UAB.
Q: Is it worth my time to make an appointment to visit members of the purchasing staff?
Certainly! By meeting with buyers and other members of the purchasing staff you will be informed of the University's policies and procedures. This information will assist you in knowing how to do business with UAB.
Q: What exactly is UAB doing to assure the inclusion of minority and women-owned firms in the procurement of goods and services?
UAB has implemented several measures to address this goal. Among those are:
- Maintaining a comprehensive in-house directory of minority- and women-owned firms. Further, similar directories of national and local publications are used by the purchasing staff as an adjunct to UAB's in-house directory.
- Maintaining a program with a full-time coordinator to assist minority and women-owned firms. The purpose of the program is to give vendors better access to, and knowledge of, the University's procurement system.
- Encouraging participation from all divisions of the University. Additionally, providing each department with the necessary information and assistance to accomplish the greatest practical level of success.
- Assuring a high level of visibility and accountability for the program. The Department of Supplier Diversity was created to plan, coordinate and direct all phases of UAB's minority and women-owned business development activities.