Supplier Diversity at UMass aims to build a community of suppliers that reflects the diversity of our student body, faculty and staff. As the largest public university system in the state and New England, we believe we have a responsibility to improve the outcomes of everyone, whether it be through education or where we spend the next dollar. In line with the values of the University, President Marty Meehan announced in July of 2020 that "improving supplier diversity is going to be a higher priority for UMass going forward".
At the UPST, we believe that delivering on business value and positive impact do not have to be mutually exclusive. We are committed to integrating supplier diversity into procurement in ways that continue to support system-wide campus needs by:
- Improving access to opportunities at UMass while maintaining the integrity of a fair and transparent process
- Looking at "best overall value" holistically by evaluating price, quality, serviceability and impact within the context of each case
- Enhancing, rather than hindering, the procurement experience by leading, encouraging and facilitating values-driven procurement decisions
Make an Impact with Campus Dollars
- Spend with diverse suppliers by looking for the Verified Diverse Supplier icon in BuyWays (coming Fall 2024)
- Choose diverse businesses with your UMass Bank Card
- Involve the UPST in contract renewals (with enough lead time) to help you negotiate strategies that can deliver greater value to the University
- Talk to your existing suppliers about their own supplier diversity program and its importance to UMass
Elevate Diverse Businesses
- Build relationships with diverse-owned businesses in your community, encourage them to get certified, and invite them to become registered suppliers with UMass
- Suggest diverse suppliers when submitting a Sourcing Request to the UPST
- Highlight businesses who align with UMass values and have the potential to serve multiple campuses to the UPST
- Mentor or intern at a diverse-owned business by offering your skills and expertise
Want to do or learn more?
If you would like to champion supplier diversity on your campus, or if you have ideas or questions about the Supplier Diversity Program at UMass, please contact our team at upst@umassp.edu.