For USF Departments

What is Supplier Diversity?

Supplier diversity is a proactive business strategy that seeks to provide suppliers equal access to sourcing and purchasing opportunities. Supplier diversity programs also encourage the use of suppliers from a diverse mix of ownership (i.e.. small-, minority-, veteran-, service disabled veteran-, women-owned business enterprises). -IASTA

How does USF Define a Diverse Vendor?

Businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and service disabled veterans, along with DBE's. 

Women Owned Business
A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more women, and whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more women. In the case of publicly owned businesses, at least 51% of the stock must be owned by non-minority women. For more information, visit the Women's Business Enterprise National Council website.

Minority Owned Business
A business that is at least 51% owned by an individual(s) who is Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, or Subcontinent-Asian American. For more information, visit the National Minority Supplier Development Council website.

Veteran Owned Business
A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51% if the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans. For more information, visit the US Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business
A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service disabled veterans or in the case of a permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran. For more information, visit the US Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
A business that is at least 51% owned by an individual(s) who the federal government considers to be socially and economically disadvantaged, that has its management and daily operation controlled by such an individual(s), and whose owner(s) net worth, excluding equity in the business and primary residence, does not exceed $750,000. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent-Asian Americans, as well as any others who believe they are socially and economically disadvantaged may qualify. The federal government requires that companies claiming Small Disadvantaged Business status must be certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn more about DBE Certification.