Supplier Diversity Program
UPMC’s Supplier Diversity Program, which began in 1989, is designed to provide minority, woman-owned, and disadvantaged businesses (MWDBE) equal access to procurement opportunities. The program ensures that certified MWDBEs are provided the maximum opportunity to participate as partners and suppliers of goods and services to UPMC.
Our Approach:
- Supplier Diversity is an integral part of the UPMC Supply Chain Management (SCM) strategy
- UPMC actively recruits MWDBEs to participate in the Supplier Diversity Program.
- UPMC seeks to enter into first and second tier business relationships with MWDBE suppliers who provide quality, cost-competitive products and services to UPMC.
- A primary focus of the program is to grow the capacity of MWDBE suppliers.
- The program’s Minority Business Development Initiative provides education, training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to MWDBE members.
- MWDBEs interested in the program are required to register via the Supplier Registration Form
MWDBE Corporate Policy Statement
It is the policy of the UPMC Supplier Diversity Program to ensure that certified Minority, Women-owned, Disadvantaged, and Disability-owned Business Enterprises (MWD/DOBE) are provided to the maximum opportunity to participate as partners and suppliers of goods and services. UPMC is committed to supplier diversity as an integral part of its overall Supply Chain Management strategy.
The organization recognizes that these diverse firms enhance its supply chain and increase its competitive advantage in the marketplace. Our goal as an organization is not only to be “best in class," but to create a Supplier Diversity Program that is recognized as “World Class” among nationally and internationally renowned health systems and the larger business community.
All personnel associated with the UPMC’s Supply Chain Management activities will be made aware of this policy. These employees are expected to commit themselves to its implementation through integration into purchasing and distribution strategies, procedures, and good faith efforts.
Eligibility Requirements, Certification, and Participation
To participate in the program, a business must be a verified self-certified or certified as a minority, woman-owned, or disadvantaged business enterprise (MWDBE). A MWDBE is defined as a business that is owned, controlled, and operated by a minority, woman, or disadvantaged group member. In order to be certified, a business must do the following:
- Must maintain 51% ownership and maintain daily control of their business
- Must be located in the U.S. or its territories
- Owner must be a U.S. citizen
UPMC recognizes certification of MWDBEs by the following agencies:
- National Minority Supplier Development Council, and its regional affiliates
- Small Business Administration 8 (a) certification
- Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
- U.S. Business Leadership Network-Disability Supplier Diversity Program (USBLN-DSDP)
- Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program
- Allegheny County MWDBE Certification
- State of Pennsylvania
- Port Authority of Allegheny County
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
UPMC recognizes the following forms of self-certification verification:
- Notarized letter signed by business owner stating that business is at least 51% MWDBE owned and operated and a copy of owner’s valid driver’s license.
Supplier Diversity Registration Process
MWDBEs who inquire by phone or through the Supplier Registration Form about how to participate in the program or become a supplier in the Supplier Database will be sent a UPMC Supplier Diversity Program Pre-Registration Information Letter, which will instruct them to complete a two-step registration process:
- A request for company contact information and a UPMC Supplier Diversity Program letter will be sent to them outlining all of the Pre-Registration documentation that must be submitted to the Supplier Diversity Program.
- Per the information letter, interested MWDBEs will be instructed to send the following information to the Supplier Diversity Program:
- A cover letter stating interest in becoming a member of the program
- MWDBE certification from an accredited certifying agency
- A packet of company information; brochures, company profile marketing materials
- Three (3) business references that UPMC may contact for performance history
MWDBEs will be instructed to send all pre-registration information to the following address:
UPMC Supply Chain Management
Supplier Diversity Program
U.S. Steel Tower
600 Grant Street, 59th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Once all pre-registration documentation has been received from the MWDBE, they will be required (if not already completed) to register for the program by completing a Supplier Registration Form.
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