EWU Supplier Diversity Program
Eastern Washington University values diversity in its procurement processes and strives to increase opportunities for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses. The university will take action to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses from receiving equitable access to the procurement of goods and services for the university.
The university shall develop a plan to afford maximum practicable opportunity for small, diverse, and veteran owned businesses to directly and meaningfully participate in the execution of university contracts for public works, goods, and services. This plan will include, at a minimum:
- Outreach to small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses;
- Inviting small, diverse, and/or veteran owned businesses to provide quotations for goods and services when the university knows the business offers such services;
- Removing barriers from solicitation/contract language, where appropriate, to encourage the participation of small, diverse, and/or veteran owned businesses;
- Increasing transparency by publicly posting bids and bid award documents for each competitive procurement.
What qualifies as a small, diverse, or veteran-owned business?
- Small businesses means the primary location is in Washington state and the business has 50 or fewer employees or a gross annual revenue of less than $7 million.
- Diverse businesses are owned by: Women; People in a racial minority; Socially and economically disadvantaged people.
- Veteran-owned businesses must be at least 51% owned by a veteran to qualify for certification.
Tips to get you started
- Register in WEBS: You can view and bid on contracts once you register for bid opportunities in Washington’s Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS).
- Certify your business: Increase your visibility with government purchasers by certifying your business with:
- Don’t miss an opportunity: Keep your contact information and commodity codes updated in WEBS and regularly check out the new and upcoming contract opportunities.
Additional information and resources
- Events and training from the Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
- Events and training from Washington Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
- Business Diversity Advisory Group
- How to work with the state
- Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
- Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)
- Small Business Assistance in Washington state (business.wa.gov)
Stay informed
The State of Washington hosts events, provides training, and works with small and diverse business communities to connect them with tools, resources and statewide contracting opportunities.
- Sign up for training opportunities for small and diverse businesses
- Sign up for Contracts Connection
- Sign up for IT Contracts Focus
Related links
