Frequently Asked Questions

Vendors should first register with USF's purchasing department by submitting the vendor application form and required attachments.

Yes. USF Supplier Development and Engagement (SDE) encourages all minority, women, veteran and service-disabled veteran businesses to connect directly with SDE by submitting the Certified Supplier Form, along with your business's capability statement and all federal, state, city or other recognized certifying body certifications.

USF recognizes the following certifications:

• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE) or (VET)
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB)
• Small Business Administration 8(a) (SBA 8(a))
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Learn more on the Recognized Certifications page.

Qualifying small-, minority-, women-, veteran- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses should be certified by one of the following certifying entities: Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), State of Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), and Florida's Department of Transportation's (FDOT).

Learn more on the Recognized Certifications page.

General qualifications for certification through the State of Florida's Department of Management Services, the state's office of supplier diversity, include 51% or more ownership of firm by a qualifying minority, woman or veteran, control of the business enterprise, and U.S. citizenship among others.

More information about USF's current business opportunities is available on the Find Opportunities page.

USFOSD has compiled a listing by department and college of contacts. This information can be found under Find a Contact at USF. We encourage you to use this information strategically to introduce yourself and your business.

USF Supplier Development and Engagement is here to help you by connecting your business directly to relevant university buyers. SDE will share your business capability statements and profiles with USF departments and colleges, share information with you regarding vendor fairs and educational resources, and spotlight selected businesses on social media, as well as on the SDE website.

Connect with SDE on social media by following and liking our accounts on X and Facebook. You will receive all the latest news and information on upcoming events, as well as helpful tips and resources.

USF buyers can find you if you have been added to the SDE Certified Supplier database. To be added you need to submit the Certified Supplier Form and the required documentation.

Supplier development is a proactive business strategy that seeks to broaden supplier access to sourcing and purchasing opportunities. This is important to USF because this positions the university to build a platform of economic growth and development for the local business community in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, a broad supply chain affords USF access to vendors who are proving they can provide better pricing, products and service offerings, in some cases, and also helps USF's supply chain source from the local community.

Your support is invaluable! Help us get the word out to your fellow USF teammates about SDE and let's make an impact together. Also, if you come across a great business, let us know! We want to spread the word about them throughout USF and with your help, we can broaden our business utilization substantially.