Purchasing Services recognizes the importance of increasing the number of business opportunities for diverse suppliers while at the same time, maintaining procedural integrity in providing fair and open access for all. Increased transparency of policies and procedures facilitates increased opportunities for all suppliers. A number of ways we increase opportunities for suppliers are outlined below:

  • Post competitive solicitations through the State of Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) portal;
  • Formal solicitations include MWBE goals and respondents are required to complete and return a signed document indicating their status as an MWBE business or their ability to subcontract with MWBE(s);
  • Purchasing staff obtain information regarding suppliers’ commitment to diversity and details of their internal diversity program;
  • Strategically sourced contracts include requirements for suppliers to provide the university regular reports detailing their second tier spend with diverse suppliers;
  • Competitive solicitations request information regarding suppliers’ commitment to diversity and details about their internal diversity program;
  • Intent to sole source personal service contracts are posted to WEBS;
  • Identify and educate potential suppliers and contractors regarding contracting opportunities;
  • Consider the potential for competitive participation by small, minority and women-owned businesses among the factors used in determining whether to extend a current contract or issue a new bid;
  • Host orientation sessions for suppliers interested in doing business with the University;
  • Facilitate in-person meetings between commodity specific buyers and suppliers;
  • Encourage the development of environmentally friendly practices in our supplier community, and promote suppliers whose businesses provide environmentally sustainable products or services.