Diversity Supplier Enablement Initiative

An important component of the Penn Marketplace supplier enablement process is the inclusion of diversity suppliers. The inclusion of a diverse supplier base in the Penn Marketplace supports the University's commitment to socially responsible purchasing, fulfills its compliance requirement for federal contracts, and ensures supply chain management best practices.

In the spring of 2004, Purchasing Services initiated a new program to increase diversity supplier inclusion in the Penn Marketplace. On July 19, 2004, Purchasing Services announced the selection of the SciQuest Incorporated Diversity Supplier Manager solution to assist in recruitment of a diverse supplier base for the Penn Marketplace. Using the Diversity Supplier Manager, Purchasing Services is able to increase the range of products and services from diversity suppliers, and more accurately classify and promote those diversity suppliers to the Penn community. The program will enable Purchasing Services to achieve and maintain a Penn Marketplace diversity supplier participation goal of 25%.

A list of diversity suppliers currently enabled in the Penn Marketplace is available to all authorized BEN Buys faculty and staff. This list is updated regularly as new suppliers are added to the marketplace. Please direct all questions regarding this supplier enablement initiative to Vira Homick in Purchasing Services.

Related Links

• Diversity Supplier Development Program
  A collaborative effort among Purchasing Services, Penn Health System Materials Management, Drexel University Procurement Services, and the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Center to enhance business opportunities with local, regional, and national diversity suppliers.