Finance > Procurement Services > Supplier Diversity Program

Supplier Diversity Program

 

Providing Information, Resources, and Opportunity

The Office of Procurement Services provides outreach to small and diverse businesses through its supplier diversity program.  We seek to provide relevant information and resources to assist diverse suppliers in their pursuit of business opportunities with the university.

 

UT Supplier Orientation

UT Supplier Orientation provides an overview of doing business with the university.   In this workshop, we discuss UT purchasing policies and procedures, payment methods, and tips for doing business with UT.  We invite potential new suppliers and current suppliers to attend.  The class is offered monthly and lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.  Due to COVID-19, all sessions will be conducted virtually.  We look forward to offering in-person options post-pandemic.

Please click on a date to register:

 

UT Supplier Online Lunch & Learn Workshop Series

Our online lunch & learn workshop series provides an opportunity to learn about a variety of procurement-related topics in a short, thirty-minute format.  Click on a scheduled topic to view the workshop description and to register.   Sessions take place at 12:00 PM eastern/11:00 AM central time unless otherwise noted.

*Student presentation.  Procurement Services is privileged to work with knowledgeable, dedicated university students.  You will be glad you attended this workshop on social media provided by our current intern student!

Winter schedule will be posted soon.  Please check back for new and repeating topics.

 

Supplier News 

Click here to sign up for quarterly announcements of upcoming trade shows, diversity business events, and workshops.

 

Helpful Resources and Links for Suppliers

 

State of Tennessee Diversity Certification 

We encourage eligible suppliers to certify as a diversity business with the State of Tennessee Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDBE).  The state lists certified vendors in its diversity business directory, allowing the university and other government agencies to identify diverse suppliers easily.

For more information, visit The State of Tennessee Diversity Business Enterprise Program.

 

 

Resources for University Employees

Search for Diversity Businesses

University departments seeking to utilize diverse suppliers may search the Tennessee Diversity Business Directory, maintained by the Tennessee Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDBE).  The directory is updated daily and offers multiple search options.   Employees may also search IRIS vendor records to view active university vendors with Tennessee diversity certification.

 

Employee Workshop – How UT Employees Can Support Small Business

Employees in the Knoxville area are invited to participate in this one-hour, interactive workshop that discusses how we can support local, small business while following UT procurement policy.

 

Additional Resources