1. Complete the Diverse Supplier Self-Certification Form:
You can print a Diverse Supplier Self-Certification form from this website. Click here. Please complete and sign this form. Self-Certification forms not signed will not be accepted. It can be mailed or faxed to the SDP Coordinator. You must be a minority-owned (MBE), woman-owned (WBE), or small business enterprise (SBE) including all small business concerns in order to participate in Vanderbilt Supplier Diversity Program. The SDP Coordinator of Vanderbilt will recognize most self-certification forms submitted to the Supplier Diversity Office. However, all approvals are decided by the SDP Coordinator, with no exceptions. Certifications of MBE, WBE, SDB, VBE, DBE, 8(a), and HuBZ from other agencies are recognized, and a copy of any of these certifications that pertain to your company should accompany this Self-Certification form. If you are in the process of obtaining certification, please forward your company information to the SDP Coordinator once the certification process is complete.

2. Once received:
The client references your company provided on the registration form will be contacted to determine your company’s performance in the terms of on-time, error-free delivery, customer focus and cost control. We seek high quality suppliers who consistently improve performance and provide value-added service. If a favorable client reference evaluation is obtained and business opportunities are identified, the information your company provided will be entered into the Vanderbilt Supplier database. Information relative to the products and services that your company provides will be made available to Vanderbilt’s Procurement staff as well as to other purchasing stakeholders throughout the University. If an unfavorable client reference is received, you will receive feedback to help your company successfully register at a future date. If no current business opportunities are identified, your registration form will be held on file for a calendar year for future consideration. To remain on the vendor list all companies must submit a renewal registration form each year updating company information.

3. Notification:
Within 45 days you will receive notification that your information has been entered into our database and a vendor number has been assigned. Notification may be by mail, telephone or fax.

4. Schedule a meeting:
The company should schedule a meeting with the SDP Coordinator. This dedicated resource coordinates the registration form review, introduction, approval and ongoing performance measurement process of suppliers. The SDP Coordinator will provide the following information to the supplier:

Contact name, telephone number and email of the Procurement staff person responsible for your commodity/service. Companies will meet with the Procurement staff person to facilitate commodity/service introduction to the University. Specific healthcare products sold to MCN/Hospital must pass the appropriate Value Analysis Committee to evaluate quality assurance.

Contact name and telephone number of the Vendor Liaison for your orientation and vendor name badge. Vendor name badges are only required if your company plans to solicit business in Medical Center North and/or the Hospital. There is an annual fee for the Vendor Name Badge.

The SDP Coordinator will serve as a resource person to Procurement staff, other University purchasing stakeholders and the suppliers.
Please mail or fax your completed registration form and certifications (if applicable) to:

Vanderbilt University
Supplier Diversity Program
Attn: Maggie Robinson
Supplier Diversity Program
Baker Building Suite 1110
110 21st Ave. South
Nashville, TN. 37203-2406
Phone: (615) 936-7894
Fax: (615) 343-6468

Does My Business Qualify for the Supplier Diversity Program?
Vanderbilt Supplier Diversity Program includes Minority-owned, Women-owned and Small Business Enterprises including all small business concerns.

The SDP will allow self-certification of minority owned and women-owned enterprises+, but encourage companies to seek certification by a valid Council, Department or Agency such as the

Minority-Owned - A business that is at least 51% owned by, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by, one or more members of a socially and economically disadvantaged minority group, namely U.S. citizens who are African-American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American and Indian Sub-Continent American.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) - A Minority Business Enterprise usually certified by a federal, state or local government agency as having met all of the government standards that award eligibility.

Women-Owned - A business that is at least 51% owned by, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.

Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) - A Women Business enterprise usually certified by a federal, state or local government agency as having met all of the government standards that award eligibility.

Small Business - A business concern eligible for assistance from the SBA and is one that is organized for profit, with a place of business located within the U.S. It must operate primarily within the U.S. or make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through the payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor. Together with its affiliates, it must meet the numerical size standards as defined in the Small Business Size Regulations, 13 CFR 121. A business is generally considered small if:

1. Manufacturing Industries: Business has fewer than 500 employees.
2. General Construction: Business has average annual receipts of less than 28 million for the three preceding fiscal years.
3. Service Industries: Business has average annual receipts of less than 5 million for the three preceding fiscal years.

Other Business Classifications utilized by Vanderbilt University:

Disabled-Owned - A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more disabled persons who control and operate the business. Control in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions and operate means to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business.

Veteran-Owned - A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more veterans, who control and operate the business. Control in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions and operate means to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business. The term “veteran” (38 U.S.C. ‘101(2) means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) - New certification eligibility criteria established by the SBA effective 7/1/99. All firms must be certified by one of the SDB Certification Agencies designated by the SBA. To qualify must be a small business, not exceed standards for Primary SIC, meet Contracting Officers’ assigned SIC code, be a U.S. Citizen and be 51% owned and controlled by one or more Socially & Economically Disadvantaged Individuals. The SBA classification is based on a Preponderance of the Evidence Clause. This SDB Certification is good for 3 years.

HUBZone Certified - A business that is operating in a certified historically under-utilized business zone.