Supplier Diversity Program

To support U-M’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, Procurement Services is committed to enhancing economic opportunities for underrepresented and underserved supplier groups, including but not limited to, minority-owned (MBEs), women-owned (WBEs), veteran-owned, and small businesses (SBEs).

Mission

U-M Procurement Services aims to connect the campus community with diverse suppliers in alignment with the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Objectives

  • Foster partnerships between a diverse supplier base and all U-M units.
  • Promote a UM-wide commitment to expand competitive procurement opportunities that include all segments of the business community.
  • Diversify U-M’s supplier portfolio to secure better prices and higher-quality products and services through increased competition. 
  • Develop and maintain a supplier population that reflects the diverse makeup of the university community we serve.
  • Reflect 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 diversity and socially responsible procurement.

Are you a diverse 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 diverse supplier?

Visit the Find Products & Services search tool to find diverse suppliers.

Diverse supplier attributes

U-M recognizes the following attributes in designating suppliers as diverse.- (Please note that it’s possible for a business to fall into multiple categories):

  • Small businesses
  • Small disadvantaged businesses
  • Women-owned businesses
  • Veteran-owned businesses
  • Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
  • Disabled-owned businesses
  • HUBZone small businesses (historically underutilized)
  • Minority-owned businesses, including, but not limited to, African American, Native American, Asian American or Hispanic-owned businesses

U-M recognizes self-certification by suppliers that are at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a person of diverse background.

Supplier Diversity Resources

The following resources can help you identify diverse suppliers, including but not limited to, minority-owned (MBEs), women-owned (WBEs), veteran-owned, and small businesses (SBEs).

Resources

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.