What is Supplier Diversity?

The Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) was established in 2010 to promote supplier diversity in public contracting.

The program instituted policies to encourage the award of state contracts in a manner that develops and strengthens and increases business opportunities for Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVOBE) and Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE).

It is a business program amongst Fortune 1000 companies that encourages the use of privately-held companies owned by historically under-utilized businesses when purchasing goods/ services. The fundamental goal of Supplier Diversity is to include businesses owned by diverse people in the supply chain of Fortune 1000 companies to build wealth within those communities.

A commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion is critical for the Federal Government as an employer.  By law, the Federal Government’s recruitment policies should “endeavor to achieve a workforce from all segments of society. As the Nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government has a special obligation to lead by example.  Attaining a diverse, qualified workforce is one of the cornerstones of the merit-based civil service.