Portland State University
OP-T2-24: Historically Underutilized Businesses

PSU strongly supports federal, state, and local efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity. In its efforts to encourage economic growth and development PSU is continuously improving relationships with MWESB vendors and increasing contracting efforts with these firms. Since the modification of our W-9 in 2009, PSU’s ability to track utilization of MWESB's and identify targeted areas for increased engagement with MWESB vendors has been greatly improved. The modified form has made it easier for vendors who are certified by the State of Oregon or who are self-reporting to identify as MWESB vendors. Additionally, PSU’s new Diversity Action Plan (DAP) promotes the development of stronger ties with the MWESB community as exemplified by the College of Business Administrations’ award winning Business Outreach Program (BOP). Portland State University is committed to utilizing MW/ESB vendors. For a link to State of Oregon MW/ESB certified vendors: http://www4.cbs.state.or.us/ex/dir/omwesb/ For a link to MW/ESB vendors previously utilized by PSU please visit the following web link: http://www.bao.pdx.edu/vendor State of Oregon Requires: It is the policy of the Oregon University System (OUS) that all businesses, including small, minority and women-owned businesses, shall be given the maximum practicable opportunity to compete for and be awarded contracts by the Institutions within OUS. The goal of this policy is to expand economic opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses by encouraging participation in OUS contracting and purchasing. ORS 351.070(2)(c) requires the Board to adopt policies and procedures that achieve results related to the participation of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Businesses, as defined by the State of Oregon (MWESBs), that equal or exceed the standards in effect on July 17, 1995. The Board has further delegated its authority to the Institutions under ORS 351.060(9) and the Institutions have further delegated their authority for certain types of contracts and purchases to departments and employees pursuant to their specific Institutional policies. OAR 580-061-0000(1)(f) provides that OUS employees should encourage participation by MWESBs. This requirement is further set out in OAR 580- 061-0030. The Board’s Policy on Diversity, approved on March 6, 2009, provides that the Board is committed to vendor and contracting practices that encourage and promote participation by MWESBs and requires periodic reports to the Board by the Chancellor and the Presidents of each Institution on progress in vendor and contracting initiatives and practices. This policy implements these requirements. It includes targeted outreach efforts aimed at increasing opportunities for a wide range of businesses, including Certified MWESBs and minority and women-owned businesses that are not currently certified by the OBDD or which have chosen an alternative agency for certification. No provision of this policy is intended to provide for or encourage, and the policy should not be construed as providing for or encouraging, the granting of any unlawful preferences in OUS contracting, and the provisions of this policy shall be implemented in accordance with the requirements of state and federal law.