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Diversity Initiatives
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to fostering a diverse supplier base. The Supplier Diversity Program or Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, is designed to ensure that businesses of diverse backgrounds and ownership have the opportunity to become valued suppliers as a means of improving the general economic well-being of the community and functioning of our local and national economies.
The University’s Supplier Diversity Programs strive to increase the availability of meaningful business opportunities afforded to diverse suppliers by increasing the level of goods and services provided to the University by diverse business enterprises.
Helpful Definitions
- Diversity Business Enterprise (DBE)
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A "Diversity Business Enterprise" is a business owned/operated by a minority that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) unconditionally owned by one or more minority individuals or women who are both socially and economically diverse, or a publicly owned business that has at least fifty-one percent (51%) of its stock unconditionally owned by one or more such individuals and that has its management and daily business controlled by one or more such individuals. Individuals who certify that they are a member of named groups, i.e. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives (Eskimos and Aleuts) and Asian and Pacific Island Americans are to be considered socially and economically diverse.
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
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A "Minority Business Enterprise" is intended to mean a business concern owned by one or more minority individuals that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) unconditionally owned by one or more minority individuals, or a publicly owned business that has at least fifty-one percent (51%) of its stock unconditionally owned by one or more such individuals and that has its management and daily business controlled by one or more such individuals. Individuals who certify that they are a member of named groups, i.e. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives (Eskimos and Aleuts) and Asian and Pacific Island Americans are to be considered socially and economically disadvantaged.
- Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
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A "Women-Owned Business Enterprise" is intended to mean a business concern owned by one or more women that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) unconditionally owned by one or more women, or a publicly owned business that has at least fifty-one percent (51%) of its stock unconditionally owned by one or more such individuals and that has its management and daily business controlled by one or more such individuals.
University-wide Contracted DBE Suppliers
Visit this page to review the directory of contracted suppliers. To find suppliers with a DBE status, filter by the “DBE” column.
Non-contracted DBE Suppliers
Visit this page for a list of suppliers who have requested inclusion on our list and for whom we are able to verify a DBE status through a certifying organization.
Tools for Finding DBE Suppliers
Internal and external resources to identify DBE suppliers, including the PRISM Search DBE Suppliers Tool.
Obtaining Certification
Learn about certifying organizations and resources for suppliers to obtain certification.
Guide to DBE Researcher Subcontracting
Information and resources related to preparing a Small Business Subcontracting plan for federal research.
Supplier Spotlight
Learn more about featured DBE suppliers with whom the University has worked.