Welcome to the Purchasing Services Supplier Diversity Program

Overview

We in Purchasing Services work hard to ensure that the products and services we purchase meet the needs of the faculty and staff we serve. We partner with suppliers in many product categories and that range from multi-national corporations to small locally based businesses. While we value the business relationships we have developed with our current suppliers, we are committed to ensuring diversity in our supplier base and providing business opportunities to qualified diversity suppliers interested in doing businesswith the University of Pennsylvania.

Our ideal suppliers are those who understand our culture and expectations. We value suppliers who take the time to learn about and understand our institution and who look for ways to add value. Our suppliers must understand our business requirements and be agile and flexible in responding to changing customer expectations and business conditions. Our suppliers must know the importance of making and meeting commitments and delivering the highest quality products and services. Above all, we value innovation. We appreciate suppliers who truly understand and share in our challenges, and who help us find the best possible solutions.

Supplier Engagement Process

Purchasing Services has partnered with the Pennsylvania Minority Business Enterprise Center (PA MBEC) at The Enterprise Center to maximize business opportunities for qualified Philadelphia based, regional and national diversity suppliers interested in developing mutually beneficial business relationships with Penn.

PA MBEC is Penn’s sole diversity supplier development and engagement facilitator based on our predefined procurement business and technology requirements. PA MBEC engages interested diversity suppliers on behalf of Penn (and members of the Philadelphia Area Collegiate Cooperative) in order to match supplier capabilities and capacity with the appropriate purchasing organization.

The First Step

So how does a diversity supplier become part of Penn’s Supplier Diversity Program? The first step any diversity supplier must take in seeking opportunities to do business with Penn is to contact Jacqueline Hill, Executive Director of the PA MBDC, at (215) 895-4032 to enroll in the Penn supported diversity supplier development program. Diversity suppliers enrolled in the PA MBEC supplier development program may also register to participate in quarterly Purchasing Day at the Enterprise Center events.

Conclusion

We thank you for your interest in doing business with Penn and hope that the information linked to this website will be of assistance in establishing a business relationship with the University of Pennsylvania.

Ralph Maier
University of Pennsylvania Chief Procurement Officer