Supplier Diversity
Our Mission
The University of Delaware promotes an environment in which all people are inspired to learn and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, free inquiry, and respect for the views and values of an increasingly diverse population. As such, the University endeavors to also have a supply chain that is equally diverse by expanding the registration and participation of small, veteran and minority and women owned businesses on the University procurements.
The University of Delaware is committed to an inclusive, collaborative environment that provides diverse, small, veteran and minority and women owned businesses equal access to bid on the procurement of goods, services, supplies and construction service contracts. UD actively seeks diverse, small, and local businesses to develop relationships and is committed to serving the University and local communities it services by providing outreach and education.
What is a diverse supplier?
To participate in the supplier diversity program, a supplier must be classified into one of the following categories:
A business concern that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by one or more minorities including African American, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens.
A business concern that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a woman or women who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens.
A business concern that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a person or persons who have served on active duty in the military, naval or air services; and who have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
A business concern that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a person or persons with a permanent physical or mental impairment who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens.
A business concern with 250 or fewer employees or average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less averaged over the previous three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Supplier Diversity is the practice of sourcing goods and services through a variety of suppliers that can include diverse, small, and locally owned businesses.
The university, its surrounding community and its partners are diverse and ensuring its supply chain is equally diverse assures increased competition and innovation; better pricing; and the opportunity to positively impact the local workforce and economy.
- Increased competition
- Increased innovation
- Competetive pricing
- Supplier agility
- Be aware of the university's supplier diversity goals
- Include a variety of businesses when sourcing through request for quotes and request for proposals
- Include a variety of businesses when sourcing for smaller purchases using your credit card
- Reaching out to procurement or supplier diversity to assist with finding diverse, small or local businesses.
- Nominate small, diverse, and local businesses that have provided exceptional service
- Recommend small, diverse and local businesses
- Provide feedback to procurement and supplier diversity when working with new suppliers on how to improve supplier diversity efforts
Businesses interested in developing relationships with the university should send an email of interest along with their capability statement to supplierdiversity@udel.edu.
We accept local, state, federal, and national diversity certifications.
No, currently the University only registers suppliers with active contracts. Businesses interested in developing relationships with the university should send an email of interest along with their capability statement to supplierdiversity@udel.edu.
Registering for the supplier diversity registration portal does not guarantee an engagement with the University.
Upcoming Events
2024 Supplier Diversity Conference
March 5-6, 2024
Join us on March 5-6 for a transformative experience at one of the East Coast's premier Supplier Diversity Conferences. This is your opportunity to connect with hundreds of industry leaders, government officials, and fellow entrepreneurs in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Networking Extravaganza: Engage with decision-makers, potential partners, and industry experts to expand your professional network.
- Cutting-Edge Training: Stay ahead of the curve with innovative workshops designed to enhance your skills and set your business apart.
- Cocktail Awards Reception: Unwind after a busy Day 1 at our Cocktail Awards Reception on March 5th, celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses in the supplier diversity space.
In 2024, the University of Delaware is committed to providing you with the tools, connections, and insights you need to thrive. Whether you're a minority or women-owned business, local agency, or government representative, this conference is your gateway to growth, collaboration, and success.
Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative event dedicated to empowering diverse businesses. Register now and secure your spot at the forefront of innovation, partnership, and business excellence!
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TUESDAY, MARCH 5th:
Registration: 10:00am-11:00am (Exhibit Booths can be set up starting at 8:30am)
Welcome Remarks: 11:00am - 11:30am
- Victoria Daniels, Chief Supplier Diversity Officer, University of Delaware
- John Long, Executive Vice President and COO, University of Delaware
- Dennis Assanis, President, University of Delaware
Plenary Session: 11:30am - 12:15pm (Michelle Snow, "Grow with Snow")
Keynote Lunch: 12:15pm - 1:15pm (TBD)
SESSION ONE: 1:15pm - 2:00pm (choose one session)
- Project Management for Newbies I
- Supplier Diversity Practitioners - Workshop I
- Workshop: Do You Really Know How to Bid?
- Are Sustainability and Diversity Goals Compatible? Can Your Organization Meet Both?
- Are you Prepared for the Unexpected? Crisis Management: Panel Discussion
SESSION TWO: 2:15pm - 3:00pm (choose one session)
- Introductory Meetings - Are You Ready? Pitching and Presenting
- Supplier Diversity Practitioners - Workshop II
- Supplier Relationship Management Tips for All
- Bonding and Insurance
- When is the End a New Beginning?
Networking: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Explore the Exhibitor Booths: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Cocktail Awards Reception: 4:30pm - 7:00pm
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6th:
Exhibitor Booth Set Up: 7:30am-8:00am
Registration: 8:00am - 9:00am
Welcome Remarks: Breakfast and Panel: 9:00am-9:45am
SESSION ONE: 10:00am-10:45am (choose one session)
- Project Management Newbies II
- Supplier Diversity Practitioners- Workshop III
- Solo Shops: How to Navigate and Thrive
- Government Procurement: What you Need to Know / Low Bid vs. Best Value: How to Respond to Each Solicitation
- MBE to MBE - Collaborative Strategy and Missed Opportunities: Panel Discussion
Exhibit Booths – Open: 10:45am - 12:00pm
Keynote Lunch: 12:00pm-1:00pm
SESSION TWO: 1:15pm-2:00pm (choose one session)
- Networking vs. Relationship Building: What's the Difference?
- A.I. for Small Business
- Supplier Diversity Practitioners - Workshop IV
- Design Build Essentials: How to Get Subs Involved Early in the Process & Tools for Success
- What's your Social Media Presence?
SESSION THREE: 2:15pm-3:00pm (choose one session)
- Risk Management: Are you Leery of the Word "Audit"?
- Global Procurement: Is My Business Ready?
- Construction vs. Personal Services Solicitations
- Synergy Sphere (Finance)
- Opportunities to Engage UD Students (Just Added!!)
Closing Remarks
We look forward to welcoming you to a conference that promises to shape the future of supplier diversity. See you there!
Parking is complimentary, and available in the Clayton Hall parking lot (Lot 7). See Parking Map
Past Events
2022 Supplier Diversity Engagement Summit
On August 3rd, 2022, UD held its own supplier diversity summit. This event garnered attendees from DE, MD, NJ, NY, and PA.
Ready to get started?
Businesses interested in developing relationships with the university should send an email of interest along with their capability statement to supplierdiversity@udel.edu.
Certification Requirements
We require that all suppliers participating in the Supplier Diversity Program have the appropriate status certification from a local or national issuing authority. The following is a list of common certifying organizations that can provide information on becoming certified or renewing a certification. The list is not comprehensive, and if you are certified by another organization simply include it in the "Other" field of the Supplier Information Questionnaire.
If your business is invited to bid or if we request your services, we reserve the right to contact your certifying agency or request that you fax us any certification documents.
- City of Wilmington
- Delaware Department of Transportation
- Delaware Office of Supplier Diversity
- Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
- National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Women’s Business Enterprise Center East (WBECEAST)
- Women's Business Enterprise National Enterprise Council (WBENC)
Additional Resources
Please visit the sites below for additional resources.
Victoria Daniels
Chief Supplier Diversity Officer
Victoria Daniels, serves as UD’s Chief Supplier Diversity Officer, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She is responsible for developing and implementing the University’s supplier diversity initiatives. In each position she has had, her work provided her an opportunity to champion and empower those who have often been overlooked or relegated to second-class status.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Business Communications
Rosemont College
Juris Doctor Degree, Law
Seattle University School of Law