Supplier Diversity & Inclusion

Supplier Diversity & Inclusion

Supplier Diversity & Inclusion

Rowan recognizes the importance of supplier diversity in its procurement practices. The University has a diverse student, staff and faculty population. In conjunction with the University’s overall commitment to diversity and inclusion, the University is committed to contracting with qualified suppliers from all parts of the business community in procuring needed goods and services. By encouraging the participation of small and diversely-owned businesses in the procurement process, the University strengthens contracting opportunities while at the same time providing a value-added strategy that increases competition to ensure that the University’s funds are maximized.

The Supplier Diversity & Inclusion (SDI) Program serves as a liaison between small and diversely-owned business enterprises and the Rowan University community.  In addition, we recruit, educate, and advocate for vendors who qualify for the program.

Current Set-aside Initiatives

The State of New Jersey currently has two contract set aside programs – a 25 percent set-aside for certified Small Business Enterprises and a three percent set-aside for Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises.
Program Benefits
  • Business highlighted on the Office of Contracting & Procurement’s SDI Program website
  • Advocation to the Rowan University and surrounding communities
  • Liaison between diverse and larger suppliers
  • Assistance in obtaining business enterprise certifications
  • Notice of upcoming bid opportunities

Certifications We Acknowledge

Certifications We Acknowledge
  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
  • Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
  • Small Business Program 8(a)
  • HUBZone Small Business (HUBZONE)
  • Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
  • Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
  • Woman-Owned/ Economically Disadvantaged Small Business Enterprise (WOSB)
  • Veteran-Owned Business (VOB)
  • Disabled/Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (DVOB/SDVOB)
  • Veteran-Owned Small Business/Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB)
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and /or Transgendered-Owned Business Enterprise (LBE/LGBTBE)
  • Disability/Service-Disabled Disability/ Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE/SDV-DOBE/V-DOBE)

How to Become Certified

Click here for a list of certifying agencies recognized by Rowan University.  For assistance applying for certification, reach out to supplierdiversity@rowan.edu.

Becoming a Rowan University Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program Vendor

If you’re interested in working with Rowan University we encourage you to complete the following steps:
  1. Complete the certification process from a Rowan University-recognized certifying agency.
  2. Email supplierdiversity@rowan.edu with the following documents*:
  3. Once your company's documents are collected and verified, a Rowan University Vendor ID will be assigned.
  4. All Rowan University SDI Program participants will be added to our Supplier Diversity Business Directory. The Office of Contracting & Procurement and University community are encouraged to utilize this guide as a source of potential suppliers to consider when an appropriate opportunity arises in the University’s sourcing process.

*Additional documentation may be requested should certain State-regulated spend thresholds be met.

Note: Participating in the Rowan University Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program does not guarantee business with Rowan University.
 
Please note that the Office of Contracting & Procurement is responsible for oversight in the purchasing of goods and services for the University. We do not select vendors, regardless of the size of the purchase, nor do we provide or arrange solicitation calls of any kind.  It is the explicit responsibility of individual vendors to identify which University departments may benefit from a vendor’s products and services. 
 
To obtain a list of Rowan University departments, please visit www.rowan.edu. From the home page, select “Directory” from the Quick Links dropdown menu in the upper right-hand side. By clicking on the down arrow in the “Search Department” field, you will find a listing of ALL Rowan departments and the associated contacts therewithin. 

For Rowan University Employees

The primary goal of the Supplier Diversity & Inclusion program is to directly benefit small and diverse suppliers through increased sales and business support. Many diverse vendors find themselves at a disadvantage when establishing their businesses, with hurdles including discrimination, lack of resources, and trouble breaking into existing supplier markets that traditionally exclude minority business.
 
Why choose a small or diverse supplier?
  • To serve the Rowan University value of inclusivity and the strategic pillar of creating an economic engine by partnering with and investing in regional businesses.
  • Money-saving practices are more critical than ever. Supplier diversity programs increase competitive pricing and drive down many costs.
  • To provide disadvantaged business with more opportunities throughout the University.
How do I find a small or diverse supplier?
There are several ways you can search for suppliers with small or diverse business certifications: