Muhlenberg College
OP-15: Inclusive and Local Purchasing

• Muhlenberg has in its sustainable purchasing policy that it prefers businesses that produce goods that are local: o “Produced locally or regionally in order to minimize the environmental costs associated with shipping” (http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/campuslife/sustainability/policies/sust_purch.html) • We are also currently developing a supplier diversity policy that will focus on encouraging participation of local and diverse suppliers. But as of now Muhlenberg looks at all the options available to it when purchasing items. Preference is given to local and nearby businesses when their products are comparable to their competitors that may be farther away. • “Muhlenberg College commits itself to good citizenship in the wider, local community by supporting with our business those vendors and services that are operated by and fairly employ underrepresented groups. When requesting quotations, bids, proposals , vendors are requested to identify if they qualify as a women owned businesses, small disadvantaged business, veteran owned business or other as defined by the small business administration.”