Raising Awareness with Suppliers

It is important to the Kansas City Fed that our suppliers share a similar commitment to diversity and inclusion. Suppliers are expected to make a good faith effort to include minorities and women in their workforces and, as applicable, subcontracting relationships. We regularly ask suppliers to provide documentation of the actions they have undertaken to include minorities and women in their workforces. We also ask suppliers to track and report the dollars they spend with minority- and women-owned businesses in support of Kansas City Fed projects (referred to as Tier 2 Spend). 

Supplier Diversity and Small Business Programs

Our Supplier Diversity Program is a collaborative effort between District Procurement Services and business areas to achieve inclusion of minorities, women and small suppliers in procurement activities based on qualifications and merit. Our supplier diversity strategy encourages the participation of small and minority- and women-owned companies in procurement opportunities. Key program activities include:

  • Increasing awareness of the benefits of Supplier Diversity
  • Enhancing the Kansas City Fed’s external presence with the business community
  • Promoting the acquisition of goods and services from diverse and small businesses through competitive bidding opportunities
  • Tracking, assessing, and enhancing the Supplier Diversity Program and its processes

Certification Standards

• The Kansas City Fed uses live reporting from Dun & Bradstreet to verify supplier classifications. Confirm that your classifications are updated by clicking External Linkhere.
• Suppliers may also certify through one of the certifying organizations listed below.

Partner Organizations

  • National Minority Supplier Development Council (External LinkNMSDC)
    If your company is minority-owned, certification can be established through the NMSDC. 

  • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (External LinkWBENC)
    If your company is woman-owned, certification can be established through the WBENC.
     
  • Small Business Administration (External LinkSBA)
    If your company classifies as a small business, check that your business is listed with the SBA.
  • National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (External LinkNGLCC)
    If your company classifies as LGBT-owned, certification can be established through the NGLCC.

For more information on how to become a supplier visit our supplier information page.