Certified Diversity Vendors
WHAT IS A CERTIFIED DIVERSE SUPPLIER?
A certified diverse supplier can clearly demonstrate that their business is at least 51% owned, operated, and managed by a diverse person or group of members by presenting a certificate issued by an independent certifying government agency, quasi-government or nongovernmental-organization (NGO). Independent government certifications typically certify entities as Minority/Women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). In New York City, it offers NYC Small Business Services M/WBE Certification and separately New York State provides (NYS MWBE certification). The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey certifies vendors under its Quasi-government MWBE program. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification can be obtained by Federal or State agencies for minorities or women-owned businesses, or other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals such as persons with disabilities. In the private sector, various non-government organizations (NGOs) assist corporate brands by also certifying diverse businesses. Within this group, we acknowledge certifications from the following: National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCCC), National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), Disability:In, the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC), and United States Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Globally, diverse certifications are issued to vendors by Minority Supplier Development China (MSD China), MSDUK, Supply Nation (Australia) and IWSCC (Canada). WCS recognizes the diverse certifications from all referenced entities.
WHY DOES WCS VALUE CERTIFIED DIVERSE SUPPLIERS?
WCS obtains funding from federal, state and local agencies, which often require the use of Minority-owned/ Women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). Diversity certificates enable us to accurately show evidence that suppliers were vetted and verified as diverse entities. In addition, our supplier diversity initiative demonstrates our commitment to improving the diversity of our supply chain and tracking our progress.
DO DIVERSE SUPPLIERS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED?
No. While certification is not required to do business with WCS, a supplier is not eligible for inclusion in our Supplier Diversity Database without certification. We encourage diverse suppliers to become certified with any of the certification organizations referenced above.
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