Miami University
OP-T2-24: Historically Underutilized Businesses

The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Under current law, a goal 15% of goods and services to certified MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and 5% of goods, services and construction contracting to EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity) is to be purchased. Minority vendors must be certified by the Department of Administrative services, Equal Opportunity Division, prior to participation. The Department of Purchasing takes the lead role in supporting the goals of the program. Any questions regarding this program should be direct to the Department Any vendor wishing to do business with the University should contact the Department of Purchasing. The purchasing process at the University is centralized with all requests being routed through the Department of Purchasing. Vendors wishing to do business with the University should send a written request to the Director of Purchasing asking that they be added to future bid requests. The University also manages a web enabled bidding tool that allows for MBE/EDGE vendors to enroll and identify commodities they wish to receive bid notices. Access is http://www.units.muohio.edu/purchasing/ Vendors may also visit the Department of Purchasing to personally discuss their company’s product line and to express their interest in doing business with the University. Miami University strives to stay current on various goals necessary to demonstrate a positive track record of seeking and including minority businesses to participate in labor, goods and services contracts to the University by such means as: • Attending training sessions hosted by the EOD • Participate as a member of Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Minority Business Partnership • Researching registered vendors • Directly speaking to interested vendors about Miami opportunities • Attending various trade shows to inform EDGE/MBE businesses and contractors of upcoming University construction projects, consulting service opportunities, and goods and material needs. • Attending IUCPG (Inter University Counseling Purchasing Group) meetings that include discussions and presentations related to MBE/EDGE-certified vendors. All purchasing staff is informed and aware of DAS registration of MBE/EDGE vendors. The university has participated in reverse trade fairs sponsored by DAS. Miami University has also collaborated with other universities to host regional vendor fairs. Quarterly Miami University reports to the Department of Administrative services, Equal Opportunity Division actual volumes paid to minority firms.