UPMC | Supplier Diversity

If I registered previously under UPMC’s Supplier Diversity registry, why am I being asked to register again?

UPMC Supplier Diversity has updated its registration portal with higher capability and capacity to move your business information into the hands of end users and procurement leads. As such, the old registry was not capable of such powerful work. With the technology capable under this new Supplier Diversity Portal, it requires any diverse-certified company interested in doing business with UPMC to register.

What is the UPMC Supplier Diversity Program?

UPMC’s Supplier Diversity Program, which began in 1989, and reengineered in 2006, 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

Why does UPMC support Supplier Diversity in contracting and purchasing?

UPMC supports Supplier Diversity as a wholistic part of supply chain and vendor relationship. UPMC strives to execute good business with vendors and suppliers across all variety of business size and ownership nationality and orientation. Supporting Supplier Diversity stimulates the business community within and adjacent to UPMC’s service area and helps to foster entrepreneurship within our community.

Is there a policy for Diverse Business utilization at UPMC?

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.

UPMC presently utilizes policy documents supporting Supplier Diversity and the utilization of diverse businesses across the Supply Chain Management Department, Engineering and Construction Department, and overall UPMC organization. Copies can be requested via email at supplierdiversity@upmc.edu.

Who is eligible to participate in UPMC’s Supplier Diversity Program?

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
Port Authority of Allegheny County
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
Vets First Verification Program at vetbiz.gov
National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)

UPMC recognizes the following forms of self-certification verification: