Duke University
OP-15: Inclusive and Local Purchasing

Duke University and Health System gives preference to locally-owned and operated firms. Through the green purchasing and supplier diversity programs, the Procurement Office makes every effort to first and foremost support local, diverse and green firms and see local purchasing as an extension of the larger sustainability efforts. A sample RFP excerpt can be found below: "Where possible, vendors are encouraged to use second-tier suppliers in close proximity to Duke. The use of local minority and women-owned businesses strengthens our commitment to the local economy." An excerpt from Duke’s governing Terms and Conditions states: Duke maintains a voluntary Supplier Diversity Program in order to provide an equitable competitive environment for historically underutilized business sectors. Diverse Suppliers are firms that are small, disadvantaged, woman, veteran, service-disabled veteran, HubZone or LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) owned. Ownership refers to at least 51% financial control as well as operational management. Diverse Suppliers are recognized with appropriate documentation of ownership status as certified by a recognized certifying organization or agency. Recognized certifying bodies include: U.S. Small Business Administration, N.C. Department of Historically Underutilized Business, Durham Department of Equal Opportunity / Equity Assurance, National Minority Supplier Development Council, North Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, as well as local, regional, city and state certifying agencies. In addition to primary suppliers, Duke pursues maximum participation through second-tier efforts. Primary contractors must submit a plan for their involvement with diverse second-tier suppliers. Following Purchase Order/Agreement award, the Contractor is required to maintain both first and second-tier efforts and submit quarterly progress reports. By taking an active role in working with Diverse Suppliers, Duke can optimize price, service, and delivery conditions while building the local community and economy. Supplier diversity will be one, but not the sole, consideration in all Purchase Order/Agreement awards.