Supplier Diversity

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY

Who We Are

Procurement purchases goods, processes payments, and prepares solicitations and bids for the entire University.  The Supplier Diversity program provides the University with a significant position of strength to support students and contribute to the sustainability of our communities and our organization. We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for qualified, diverse vendors to compete for our business.

Our Services

We are committed to positioning the University of Virginia as a leading advocate and champion for supplier diversity.

As part of the President's Local Economy Working Group, the University of Virginia has been focusing on outreach to the supplier community with three primary purposes:

1. Meeting new suppliers and fostering relationships with existing suppliers.
2. Informing the supplier community about the Supplier Diversity program's mission and offerings.
3. Learning more about perspectives from the supplier community, including what suppliers need to be more successful at the University.  Through this learning, we can more strategically tailor our service offerings to what is most needed.  

Our ongoing initiatives include: 

• Reducing barriers to entry for small businesses seeking to do business with the University.
• Better understanding and improving the communication to University users and suppliers.
• Increasing SWaM firm participation in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process by proactive outreach, education about our procedures, and encouraging buyers to consider ways to make contracts more attainable for smaller businesses.
• Hosting category-specific workshops to increase the department's visibility within the community and to allow suppliers to engage with category managers and learn relevant information related to their industry/service. 

eVA Assistance

eVA is the Commonwealth of Virginia's eProcurement System. It is used by all state agencies, many localities, and higher education.  eVA is an excellent tool for researching who in Virginia is seeking the goods/services suppliers provide.  UVA hosts catalogs and delivers electronic orders through its eProcurement System, the UVA Marketplace.  

For more information, see eVA for Suppliers.

SWaM Certification Assistance

The Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) certification program enhances procurement opportunities for SWaM businesses participating in state-funded projects. Please note that UVA does not administer the SWaM Certification. SWaM certifications are administered through Virginia's Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).

Reporting and Consultation

Our Supplier Diversity Team provides helpful reports to local and SWaM businesses about which University departments buy similar goods and services, enabling businesses to target their sales and marketing efforts.  Reports are provided in a pre-arranged appointment with the business and a team member.  

To request a report and consultation, please reach out to the Supplier Diversity Team.

Policies Regarding SWaM

The Governor's Order 35 requires Virginia public agencies and institutions to give SWaM vendors the opportunity to earn Commonwealth business.  UVA tracks and reports SWaM usage, including SWaM certified subcontractors that are used by prime contractors.   Read Executive Order 35.

UVA's SWaM Policy

 

Training

Training and educational workshops are key method our Supplier Diversity team utilizes to provide education on our University decentralized buying network, policies and upcoming networking opportunities.