Columbia University
OP-17: Guidelines for Business Partners

In addition to the Preferred Vendor Status, the University has established University-wide Strategic Partnership Agreements with several large vendors in a few key areas of high-volume goods and services. In turn, these vendors have agreed to utilize local suppliers when possible to improve local sourcing opportunities. The Strategic Vendor Partners (SVP) hold major contracts with the University, and the individual schools and departments are required to order their goods and services from the SVP. These vendors provide goods and/or services such as: Maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies Office supplies The Strategic Vendor Partners require a high capacity level from minority-, women-, and locally-owned (MWL) vendors, but they also provide mentoring and technical assistance to the MWL vendors with which they work. Getting Started Every vendor must be validated and approved before providing goods and services to the University. Once approved, vendors become part of our vendor database. The more data we have about our vendors, the easier it is for our purchasers to identify quality, reliable sources who have established a relationship with us. This information is also vital because the University is a recipient of a substantial amount of federal funds, and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) require us to submit reports about the diversity of our vendor base. Our vendor information also helps further the University's commitment to offer opportunities to local and small minority-owned businesses to provide goods and services to the University. Potential University vendors should only access the below questionnaire under the following conditions: Vendor has been requested to complete the questionnaire by University customer Vendor has been requested to complete the questionnaire by the Vendor Validation group Vendor has been requested to complete the questionnaire by the University Purchasing Office Vendor is seeking to qualify for Facilities and construction-related work If vendor submits under any other premise, their questionnaire will not be reviewed. Additionally, completion of the questionnaire does not commit or guarantee use of the vendor by the University. The University has a code of conduct for Manufacturing partners, which is also used for licensed vendors: http://senate.columbia.edu/committees_dan/external/labor.htm

Columbia University is a member of the Worker Rights Consortium, Fair Labor Association and has expressed intention to participate in the Designated Suppliers Program.