Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual - Policy 4305: Vendor Diversity Initiative

Date Originally Issued: 03-03-1993
Revised: 07-01-2004, 05-02-2016

Process Owner: Chief Procurement Officer

1. General

The University of New Mexico is committed to supporting small business concerns, including those of socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, through the Small Business Program and Vendor Diversity Initiative established by the Purchasing Department. These initiatives are under the direction of the Chief Procurement Officer.

2. Small Business Program

The Small Business Program is designed to increase knowledge of UNM procurement practices by any disadvantaged businesses. The program helps these businesses to compete with larger businesses and become service and product suppliers to the University.

3. Vendor Diversity Initiative

The Vendor Diversity Initiative was implemented to ensure that all vendors have better access to and knowledge of the University’s procurement system. This initiative supports the University’s commitment to diverse vendor selections with the objective of achieving and fostering greater participation by in-state businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities. Inclusion of these businesses in the economic mainstream improves the fiscal stability and vitality of our community and state. The Purchasing Department’s goals are to:

• Increase University awareness of the Vendor Diversity Initiative objectives and opportunities
• Educate vendors on how to conduct business with the University
• Give every reasonable business opportunity to in-state businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to participate as direct suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.

4. Procurement

The Purchasing Department directs and supports the University’s ongoing commitment to encouraging business opportunities and diversity among its vendors. 

When procurement does not require competitive solicitations, University departments are encouraged to purchase goods and services from this list of diverse, in-state vendors [add link of vendor list once available] when reasonably possible.