Socially Responsible Procurement
This methodology serves as framework that promotes the integration of social and ethical considerations into purchasing decisions. It aims to cultivate a culture focused on procurement practices that prioritize environmental impact, community investment, and sustainable sourcing. These guidelines outline criteria for qualifying suppliers, products, or services as sustainable, small business, or locally sourced.
Supporting the Local Economy
- Foster partnerships between the supplier base and all U-M units to strengthen economic ties.
- Promote a UM-wide commitment to expand competitive procurement opportunities that include all segments of the local and broader business community.
- Increase the variety of suppliers within U-M’s portfolio to secure better prices and higher-quality products and services through increased competition.
- Develop and maintain a supplier population that reflects the makeup of the university community we serve.
- Demonstrate our commitment to be an economic partner to the communities in which we conduct business.
- Provide U-M employees involved in the acquisition of materials and services with the tools and training they need to locate and use suppliers who meet their spending requirements while supporting socially responsible procurement.
Are you a supplier looking to do business with U-M?
All suppliers should become familiar with the information on our Supplier Basics webpage and register using Procurement Services’ MConnect system. For questions about the MConnect system, please email MConnectTeam@umich.edu.
Important note: Registration does not guarantee that your firm will be selected to do business with the university. If Procurement Services determines that you are eligible to do business with U-M, you will be contacted and advised of the next steps in the process, which may include a meeting with Procurement Services.
Please visit our Suppliers page for more details.
Are you a U-M unit looking to do business with a supplier contracted with the university?
Visit the Find Products & Services search tool to find supplier options.
Networking Resources
Nestled in the ever-growing town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Michigan Procurement Services is dedicated to nurturing a thriving local economy. By collaborating with homegrown suppliers and key partners, we hope to spark innovation and support the growth of businesses across the state.
Resources
- Department of Veterans Affairs – Locate veteran-owned businesses.
- DisabilityIN – The federally recognized council for Disabled-owned businesses to provide resources and locate suppliers.
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)– Connect with Michigan-based suppliers seeking business opportunities.
- System for Award Management (SAM) – The official system for organizations to register to do business with the U.S. government.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Locate small businesses through the dynamic small business search tool.
- U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce – Locate women-owned small businesses through the supplier directory.
- U-M Find Products & Services Search Tool – Search engine to identify university-wide suppliers who have self-certified as a diverse supplier.
Affiliations
Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (GLWBC) – A nonprofit champion for women and minority businesses that provides access to capital, certification for women-owned businesses, corporate contracting opportunities, and small business educational support.
Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) – The solely responsible organization for certifying all minority business enterprises across the state of Michigan. Under the MMSDC’s program, an individual who is at least 25 percent Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American is considered a member of a minority group.