Supplier Diversity
In collaboration with the university’s Supplier Diversity Program Manager focused on university and medical center initiatives, the university seeks to continuously expand the diversity of its contracted suppliers.
To support Ohio State University's Task Force Report on Racism and Racial Inequities and further implement the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals of the Business & Finance DEI Committee, all faculty and staff are encouraged to explore the supplier database by diversity attribute and location.
University Purchasing continuously integrates environmental, social and economic goals into its business processes. The university is committed to the inclusion of environmentally friendly products and supplier diversity in preferred supplier contracts and continuously works with departments to increase visibility of these agreements.
Supplier diversity
Buy Ohio
More than 50% of products purchased by Stores support the Buy Ohio Program, which affords bidders a 5 percent economic preference to vendors located in Ohio and bidders from the border states of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania.
This program, which does not change bidding procedures, is defined by the Ohio Revised Code Section 125.11 and the Ohio Administrative Code Section 123.5 1-26. The Ohio State Bid Certification Form determines if a bidder qualifies for the Buy Ohio Program.
Diverse-Owned Businesses
At The Ohio State University, building and maintaining collaborative relationships with our diverse supply base stimulates innovative thinking and encourages the exchange of ideas. Through cooperation with our internal and external stakeholders, we work to grow and develop them. The partnerships-built support positive economic impact in the communities in which we live and serve.
An advocate of diverse-owned business development as a pillar in the B&F diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. The Stores Department supports the university's ongoing commitment to encouraging business opportunities and diversity among its suppliers. Suppliers should make sure their supplier profile set up with University Purchasing is up-to-date.
Opportunities For Ohioans with Disabilities
Opportunities For Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) enables Ohioans who are legally blind to enjoy careers in food services management through the Ohio Business Enterprise Program. Today BEP operates more than 120 food service and vending enterprises in Ohio. BSVI specialists help ensure success on providing management consulting services to food service managers. Through the Ohio Revised Code, state agencies, colleges and universities are mandated to use BSVI food services.
Community Rehabilitation Programs
Office of Procurement from Community Rehabilitation Programs (OPCRP)(link is external) - is a resource that assists state agencies in the purchasing of supplies and services from local organizations that employ individuals with work-limiting disabilities.
Ohio Penal Industries
OPI(link is external) is an industrial training program for offenders who are incarcerated within the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The training and skills acquired through this program better prepares the offenders for successful reentry to society upon their release. OPI is self-sufficient and receives no tax dollars. OPI contributes greatly to the state’s economy by spending millions of dollars with Ohio companies. OPI uses raw materials purchased from these companies for the wide range of quality products OPI produces.
Environmental initiatives
Green products
Stores is constantly increasing access to environmentally friendly alternatives of commonly used supplies.
For instance, the university has required since July 1, 2008, that all copy paper used on campus have at least 30 percent recycled content, as reflected in the Recycled Paper Policy.
It is estimated this initiative is saving more than 8,000 trees and almost 3 million gallons of wastewater, while diverting 382,000 pounds of solid waste from landfills.
Looking for environmentally-friendly alternatives for supplies?
- Contact us in the Stores Service Center at (614) 292-2694, and we will help.
Alternative fuel usage
Stores utilize Central Receiving for delivery of your orders. Central Receiving's fleet includes numerous vehicles powered by Soy Bio-diesel Fuel (B20).
Soy Bio-diesel is a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional petroleum diesel. It is made from renewable resources: soybean oil and animal fats. The use of this fuel has benefits that extend beyond the boundaries of the university. Scientists believe that carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases that contribute to the global warming effect. The B20 blend reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent. It also lessens carbon monoxide, particulate and sulfur dioxide emissions, which have all been targeted as public health risks by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Energy Star
All standard configured computers purchased from the university's Prime Computer Supplier agreement meet current Energy Star 5.0 rating.