Supplier Engagement
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 representative by expanding engagement, registration and sourcing of small, veteran and minority and women owned businesses on the University procurements.
The University of Delaware is committed to cultivating an inclusive, collaborative environment where all businesses have equal access to bid on the procurement of goods, services, supplies and construction service contracts. UD actively works to develop strong supplier relationships and remains committed to supporting all suppliers and the local communities it serves through outreach and education initiatives.
What is a diverse supplier?
A diverse supplier can be classified as 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 inclusion 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 inclusive 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 supply chain 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 engagement 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 engagement when working with new suppliers on how to improve supplier inclusion efforts
Businesses interested in developing relationships with the university should send an email of interest along with their capability statement to supplierdiversity@udel.edu.
No, the university accepts 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
2026 Delaware Matchmaking Day
February 12, 2026
8:00am - 3:00pm
The Audion on Star Campus
100 Discovery Blvd.
Connecting Suppliers, Empowering Growth
Delaware Matchmaking Day is designed to connect you directly with government agencies and prime contractors actively seeking qualified Delaware vendors. Think of it as "speed dating" for procurement—you'll meet multiple buyers in a single session, delivering focused 3-minute pitches that showcase your business capabilities. This event is free to attend.
How It Works:
- Buyers and prime contractors are seated at designated tables
- Business owners will be rotated through tables in timed intervals
- Business owners will deliver their concise 3-minute capability pitch at each table
- Business owners will leave their capability statement and business card for follow-up
- Business owners can meet numerous potential customers without time investment of indivdual meetings
Why Participate:
- Ability to connect directly with decision-makers
- Ability to get your business in front of multiple buyers and prime contractors in one day
- Ability to build relationships that may lead to future opportunities
- Ability to gain valuable feedback on positioning your business for future contract opportunities.
Mark your calendar for this can't miss event designed to equip business owners with the connections to excel in a competitive marketplace.
REGISTER HERE: https://deptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/5598
Past Events
2024 Supplier Diversity Conference
On March 5-6, 2024, UD held its own supplier diversity conference. This event garnered 236 attendees from DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA and TX.
We provided:
- 24 educational sessions
- 53 exhibitor tables
- a plenary session
- an alumni panel discussion
- an awards cocktail reception recognizing two
community partners, and three suppliers
2023 Supplier Diversity Conference
On March 1, 2023, UD held its first annual supplier training and education conference. This event brought in attendees from DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, TX and CA.
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
Suppliers interested in participating in the Supplier Engagement Program should 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)
supplier video training
tbd: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_p7bwe8m8/
Supplier Training - Be Proactive Against Risks: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_985ujixg/
New Castle County Government How to Do Business: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_yef3iv6u/
How to Successfully Build Relationships & Network: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_kw2e96j9/
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Additional Resources
Please visit the sites below for additional resources.
Victoria Daniels
Chief Supplier Engagement Officer
As the University of Delaware's Chief Supplier Engagement Officer, Victoria Daniels is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of supplier outreach and engagement initatives. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, she focuses on building strong, diverse supplier relationships that support the University's mission. Victoria's work is driven by a commitment to creating equitable opportunities and fostering inclusive partnerships throughout the communities the University services.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Business Communications
Rosemont College
Juris Doctor Degree, Law
Seattle University School of Law