Casting a Wider Net, Building Relationships…
The University has statutory goals established and approved annually for S/MBE utilization. To be counted, the S/MBE must be certified by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services Supplier Diversity Program.
As user departments, you may find that you frequently use a diverse supplier who may be a small or minority business that’s not yet been certified by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Supplier Diversity Program. In this case, you as the end user, are encouraged to recommend said vendors to USDP for S/MBE certification with DAS.
The business case for using Diverse Suppliers:
- Establishing alternative sources of goods and services
- A more widely diverse group of business enterprises from which to choose
- Competitive pricing
- Lowering the costs to the University as a result of increasing the number of suppliers
- Increasing economic sustainability of the local economy by broadening and strengthening the economic base of the region
DAS Search for Small/Minority Companies – This DAS search tool allows you to create a list of Small/Minority companies who can provide goods and services to meet your departmental needs. It allows you to sort your results based upon specific criteria such as company name, keyword, county, city/town, or organization type, etc.
Prospective S/MBE Contractors/Vendors/Consultants – This USDP search tool allows you to create a list of Small/Minority companies who have reached into the University and expressed a desire to provide goods and services to meet your departmental needs. It allows you to sort your results based upon specific criteria such as company name or keyword.