Diverse Vendor Qualifications

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Who Qualifies as a Diverse Vendor?

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Your business may qualify as a small and/or diverse business if you meet any of the qualifications listed below:

Minority-Owned (MO) - A business that is at least 51 percent owned by, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more members of a socially and economically disadvantaged minority group, namely U.S. citizens who are African Americans (Black), Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans and Indian Sub-Continent Americans.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) - A Minority Business Enterprise usually certified by a state or local government agency as having met all of the government standards that award eligibility.

Small Business Concern (SB) - A business concern eligible for assistance from SBA as a small business is one that is organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States. It must operate primarily within the United States or make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor. Together with its affiliates, it must meet the numerical size standards as defined in the Small Business Size Regulations, 13 CFR 121.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) - To qualify must be a small business, not exceed standards for Primary SIC, meet Contracting Officers' assigned SIC code, be a U.S. citizen and be 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. SBA rules now allow a business to self-certify.

Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) - A business that is at least 51 percent owned by, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.

Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) - A Woman Business Enterprise usually certified by a state or local government agency as having met all of the government standards that award eligibility.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) - A business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans, who control and operate the business. Control in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions and operate means to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business. The term "veteran" (38 U.S.C.'101 [2]) means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released there from under conditions other than dishonorable.

Service Disabled Veteran (SDV) - A business that is at least 51 percent owned by a veteran with a disability that is service connected. The term "service connected" means, with respect to disability or death, that such disability was incurred or aggravated, in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service.

LGBT-Owned Business (LGBT) – A business that is at least 51 percent owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Exercises independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise. Has its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States.

HUB Zone (HUBZone) - A business that is operating in a certified historically under-utilized business zone. There are 7,000 qualified census tracts (HUD) and 900 qualified non-metropolitan counties. The business itself must be Hub Zone certified by the SBA.

Historically Black Colleges / Universities & Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) - A historically black and minority college or university recognized by the government as a legitimate set-aside business.

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) - A business with its principal place of business in Texas in which the owner(s): (A) have a proportionate interest and demonstrate active participation in the control, operation, and management of the entities' affairs; and (B) are economically disadvantaged because of the identification as members of the following groups: (i) Black Americans, (ii) Hispanic Americans, (iii) American Women, (iv) Asian Pacific Americans, and (v) Native Americans, Service Disabled Veterans and Women.

For detailed information about the above definitions, visit the following:

Vendor Certifications

Baylor College of Medicine recognizes two types of certifications: Agency Certification and Vendor Self Certification.

Agency Certification

Certification documents from the following qualified agencies or its affiliates are acceptable:

National Minority Supplier Development Council – (NMSDC)
National Association of Women Business Owners – (NAWBO)
Women's Business Enterprise National Council – (WBENC)
Small Business Administration – (SBA)
National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – (NGLCC)
City, state, or federal certification agencies

Vendor Self Certification

All prospective vendors are required to complete a Self Certification Form. Designations for HUB Zone Certified businesses require additional verification with the Small Business Administration. Vendors already participating in our Supplier Diversity Program are required to renew their self-certification annually. Notifications of renewal are sent by e-mail.

Ethics Statement

Baylor College of Medicine is confident that its suppliers' desire is to operate in an environment that is free from the influence of unethical business practices. Therefore, Baylor's suppliers are requested to conduct business in a manner that would not, in any way, compromise the ethical principles required of Baylor's Supply Chain personnel. Baylor Supply Chain personnel are to abide by the following guiding ethical principles.

Avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practice in relationships, actions, and communications.
Refrain from accepting money, gifts of other than nominal value, excessive hospitality, loans, or other special treatment from present or potential suppliers that might influence, or appear to influence purchasing decisions
Refrain from reciprocal agreements that restrain competition
Never agree to restraints on resale or pricing on resale, except as specifically approved by the Baylor Office of General Counsel
Suppliers who attempt to compromise these ethical principles will be subject to cessation of business with Baylor College of Medicine.