University Purchasing Initiative
The University Purchasing Initiative (UPI) is a diversity supplier development
partnership between the Pennsylvania Minority Business Enterprise Center (PA MBEC)
and local Philadelphia based universities. Developed by Penn and Drexel, and managed
by PA MBEC, this initiative is being expanded to other local institutions interested
in engaging qualified diversity suppliers in their procurement process.
The initiative currently includes the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel
University, Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine and Saint Joseph's University. The business objective is to maximize
procurement opportunities for diversity owned businesses by proactively creating
partnerships and systems of support that allow diversity suppliers to access
contracting opportunities. This goal is achieved by consistently seeking and building
relationships with higher education member institutions, and then expanding those
opportunities include private sector, health care, financial institutions, government
agencies and other contracting entities. Maximizing business opportunities for
diversity owned businesses beyond the higher education member institutions will
develop stronger local and regional economies and create long-term growth and
competitive advantage for diversity suppliers. Our goal is to provide maximum
exposure to opportunities for diversity owned businesses to participate at both
the prime and subcontract level for required products and services.
PA MBEC is committed to making the process of doing business with local institutions
as simple as possible. We have formed a Purchasing Action Team consisting of
Purchasing Directors from each participating institution. This team shares processes
and ideas that allow for a more streamlined standardized process of doing business.
PA MBEC also maintains a current and easy accessible database of "real time"
business opportunities.
PA Supplier Assessment Program
Suppliers interested in registering for the PA MBEC Supplier Assessment Program will
only need to complete one supplier profile form to become eligible to do business
with member universities. PA MBEC cannot guarantee procurement opportunities;
however, we will work with you to meet the right purchasing officer and to understand
their buying cycle. If your firm does not have the capacity at the present
time to work with large contract opportunities, PA MBEC will provide you with services
that will help to build your business capacity or work with you to identify partners
to establish a partnership with another firm to fulfill contract requirements.
Please review the steps outlined below to understand the process for participation
in this program:
- Supplier Profile Form - Complete the profile and return it
with your valid MBE Certifications that have been issued within the previous
12 months. Also, please make sure that your company is registered in the
Central Contractor Registration
database. In order to do this, you will need to have a DUNS number (which you can
obtain by calling (866) 705-5711). To register in CCR, you can also call their
free helpline at (888) 227-2423. Please include any marketing materials, brochures,
and sales literature or catalogues.
- Review and Verification - Upon receipt of your information,
PA MBEC will review and verify your information.
- Contact for Site Visit and Assessment - Upon completion of
review, you will be contacted for a site visit and capability assessment. This
will consist of a personal interview with a Business Development Associate. You
will need to set aside 90 minutes at your business location for this meeting.
- Feedback - Within 3 to 4 weeks, you will be notified that your
information has been reviewed and approved to be made available to a university
partner. When contract opportunities are available matching your service delivery,
you will be contacted for a meeting with the purchasing team of that particular
university.
There is a $225 Assessment Fee due before the visit can be arranged. This Assessment
Fee pays for the site visit, a complete business assessment, a full technology review
and at least one meeting with a university buyer. The check or money order should be
made payable to "The Enterprise Center" and must be received along with the
completed Vendor Profile.
Ownership Classifications
- Diversity Owned Business - A business enterprise is classified
as minority-owned if the company is at least 51 percent owned, controlled and
operated by one or more individuals from a racial minority group.
- Women Owned Business - A business enterprise is classified
as woman-owned is the company is at least 51 percent owned, controlled and operated
by one or more women.
- Veteran Owner Business - A business enterprise is classified
as veteran-owned is the company is at least 51 percent owned, controlled and
operated by one of more Veterans.
Next Steps
PA applies the same standards to all diversity suppliers, the highest quality products
and services at the best value. Please complete the Supplier Profile (any omissions
will delay the process), sign and submit two original copies via e-mail to
Jaqueline Hill at PA MBEC at
(215) 895-4032.
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