Supplier Diversity

The Connection Hub's Small Business Expo on July 3 will foster local vendor engagement and economic growth. Procurement professionals can discover potential partnerships with SMEs, enhancing supplier diversity and local sourcing efforts.

The California Public Utilities Commission mandates large utilities to allocate contracts to LGBT-owned businesses, aiming for $633 million by 2024. Despite ongoing legal challenges, this Supplier Diversity Program reshapes procurement strategies, necessitating compliance from vendors, and presents new opportunities for certified businesses in California.

The construction of Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York, has exceeded its MWBE participation goal by awarding over **$490 million** to nearly **140 MWBE firms**. This development underscores effective strategies for inclusive procurement and signals ongoing opportunities for MWBE businesses in future operations and maintenance.

The City of Seattle now requires RFP respondents to include detailed WMBE inclusion plans. While no fixed percentages are mandated, competitive proposals typically reflect 10-20% of contract value for WMBE participation, enhancing opportunities for diversity in procurement.