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
2025 Supplier Expo and Training Conference
March 11, 2025
8:00am - 6:00pm
Clayton Hall Conference Center
Connecting Suppliers, Empowering Growth
Join us for our annual flagship event that combines supplier networking, industry insights, and hands-on education to foster growth and collaboration in the supply chain community.
Who Should Attend?
- Suppliers and Vendors from Diverse Sectors
- Procurement and Supply Chain Professionals
- Business Owners and Development Executives
- Supplier Diversity Professionals
Event Highlights:
- Exhibit Hall with Leading Suppliers
- Educational Workshops and Training Sessions
- Insightful Panel Discussions on Industry Trends
- Networking Opportunities with Top Decision-Makers
Mark your calendar for this can't miss event designed to equip suppliers with the tools, knowledge, and connections to excel in a competitive marketplace.
Past Events
2024 Supplier Diversity Engagement Summit
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
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