Supplier Diversity Program

The University of Richmond has a long history of support for local businesses, and has prioritized promotion of supplier diversity in our day-to-day purchasing needs. This focus, spearheaded by the Office of Procurement, will enhance the University's relationships with woman and minority-owned businesses (WMBE) by actively identifying, soliciting, and contracting with diverse businesses.

Procurement staff will communicate and educate the University community on supplier diversity goals and best practice, sourcing quality goods and services at competitive prices, and providing responsive services to all University faculty, staff and students. In addition, outreach efforts with WMBE-certified businesses, will include participation in local events such as those sponsored by the Metropolitan Business League, Dominion’s Convergence, Virginia Association of State College & University Purchasing Professionals (VASCUPP) SWaMfest, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce ProcureCon, and Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (VA DSBSD) events, among others, giving suppliers the opportunity to meet with University buyers and learn more about the requirements for doing business with UR.

General Goals and Initiatives

The Office of Procurement supports woman and minority-owned businesses (WMBE) to ensure that diverse suppliers have full opportunity to compete for the University’s business. In order to accomplish these initiatives of the University’s Supplier Diversity Program, Procurement will work with other key departments in the procurement process to:

  • Develop a comprehensive database of WMBE suppliers and contractors interested in doing business with the University
  • Implement and follow the University’s Procurement Policy requirement that diverse suppliers must be solicited in all procurement categories
  • Identify and qualify local, regional, and national WMBE suppliers that can deliver the best value and highest quality products and services at a competitive price
  • Proactively look for ways to integrate diverse suppliers into our sourcing opportunities