UMass spends approximately $1 billion annually across various categories, including research, equipment, professional services, construction, technology, campus services, travel and entertainment.
If you are a diverse-owned company interested in doing business with UMass, you can become an active supplier in one of the following ways:
- Establish a relationship with a UMass employee on one of our five campuses, who can then invite you to register as a UMass supplier.
- Review our Supplier Registration process and requirements to check if your company meets our pre-qualifications.
- Explore UMass's open bid opportunities in our Sourcing Portal and submit a proposal to an open bid event.
- Select an appropriate event to participate in, and click the 'Respond Now' button to participate.
- Create an account to participate (for non-UMass active suppliers).
- For more information and resources around submitting a bid, please visit our Bid Process and Submissions webpage for suppliers.
The UPST strives to create fair and inclusive opportunities for ALL qualified suppliers - diverse and non-diverse alike. Through our Supplier Diversity Program, our goal is to increase access for diverse suppliers by conducting outreach and building awareness, strengthening local relationships, providing training and resources, and integrating our values throughout the procurement process.
Tier 2 Supplier Diversity Program
If you are an existing UMass supplier interested in diversifying your own supplier base and reporting your diverse spend to UMass, we invite you to participate in our Tier 2 Program.
Supplier Testimonial
Silver Screen Design, a WBE in Massachusetts, has grown its promotional printing business with UMass over the last 30 years. Owner Cheryl Termo says, "Running a women-owned business during the 1970s and ’80s was very difficult, but I am extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish despite the challenges.” Termo now enjoys collaborating with other women business leaders and working with the people at UMass, understanding their system and requirements. She says working with UMass feels more like a collaboration than just taking orders.
Certification Resources
We encourage diverse-owned businesses to go through the certification process so that your company can be officially recognized and receive the benefits of certification. Please explore the links below that are relevant to your business to help you get started.
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) for MBEs
- US Small Business Administration (SBA) for federally recognized, small business certifications, including women and veteran-owned businesses
- Disability:IN for disability-owned business certifications
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) for LGBTBE certification
- For businesses local to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, please visit the government’s Supplier Diversity Office for the resources and services they provide to small and diverse businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my company need to be certified diverse in order to do business with UMass?
While you are not required to be certified at the time of contract or PO signing, we strongly encourage diverse-owned businesses to obtain certification in order to help you grow your business, both with UMass and other customers. Please start with the list of resources in the section above to learn more about the certification process and requirements that are relevant to your business.
Can I register as a diverse business with UMass so that procurement teams are aware of our interest?
At this time, UMass is not keeping a directory of diverse businesses who aren't actively bidding on or fulfilling a University need. We share larger opportunities (contracts greater than $50k) through our Sourcing Portal, UPST's LinkedIn page, and in-person outreach and networking events (Program News & Events).
What if my company is a small business who cannot yet fulfill larger system-wide requirements?
For smaller contracts (less than $50k), most of these will be handled at the campus level. We encourage you to build relationships with faculty/staff at the UMass campus(es) where your business operates and highlight to them your unique capabilities and qualities, track record and how you can add value to the buyer or campus experience.
Other Questions?
If you have other questions about UMass's Supplier Diversity Program or are interested in participating in our Tier 2 program, please contact our team at upst@umassp.edu.