Supplier Diversity

Princeton University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. To maximize excellence, we seek talent from all segments of American society and the world, and we take steps to ensure everyone at Princeton can thrive while they are here. That is the sole rationale and purpose of our diversity and inclusion programs, all of which are voluntary and open to all, and which comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws. Princeton does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, and Princeton does not provide special benefits or preferential treatment on the basis of a protected characteristic.

Princeton prioritizes merit-based competition in its procurement of goods and services, ensuring the selection of suppliers best equipped to meet the University’s needs. Complementing this approach, Princeton’s supplier diversity program aims to broaden the pool of potential suppliers by encouraging wider participation in the competitive process.

Princeton University makes supplier diversity an integral part of the way we do business, consistent with our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that advances our teaching and research mission. This commitment is driven by a belief that engaging a diverse supply base is mutually beneficial: fostering competition; creating opportunity; and generating value by broadening the pool of supplier expertise, perspectives, and capabilities. Read more about the initiative and view a video featuring diverse suppliers and University leaders articulating our commitment to foster excellence through diversity.

Becoming a University Partner

Procurement Services seeks to expand access to University contracts and purchasing opportunities by ensuring that all interested suppliers are afforded the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities through a competitive bid process. To increase your chances for success, consider the following:

1. Get Connected: Explore and connect with advocacy organizations such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that provide a host of resources to help businesses prepare for working with organizations like Princeton. From navigating competitive bidding processes to networking opportunities, these organizations can help you to best demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a University partner.
2. Get to Know Us: The Princeton University website provides a wealth of information about the University’s academic activities and administrative operations and insight into a variety of supply opportunities.
3. Register with Us: The primary way we identify prospective suppliers is through our Supplier Portal. The University also publicly posts current bid solicitations.
4. Educate Us: When developing a proposal to work with the University, highlight the capabilities that differentiate your firm from your competitors and how they can help the University achieve its goals.

Tier-2 Opportunities

Occurring most commonly when goods and services are subcontracted or provided by a contracted reseller or distributor, the University regularly obtains goods and services on a second-tier basis from firms that would otherwise not sell directly to the University. While not exhaustive, the list below highlights the most common types of University purchases that firms can provide on a 2nd-tier basis:

• Scientific supplies and equipment
• Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products
• Promotional items
• Office supplies
• IT hardware and peripherals
• Design and construction projects

If your firm manufactures a product that you would like to inquire about selling through one of our distributors, or you would like to learn about potential subcontracting opportunities, email us for more information.

Sustainability

Princeton University is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for its employees, students, and visitors and to managing the University in an environmentally sensitive and responsible manner. In collaboration with campus departments, Procurement Services encourages the use of products that minimize adverse environmental and health effects and take into consideration the costs associated with full product life cycles. 

Ethics 

Procurement Services is committed to ethical business practices that promote open and fair competition in the best interests of the University and foster the success of its supplier relationships. We abide by the National Association of Educational Procurement Code of Ethics.

University employees have an obligation to avoid activities or situations that may appear to be, or could result in, a conflict of interest. Employees must not use their University positions to influence outside organizations or individuals for the direct financial, personal, or professional benefit of themselves, members of their families, or others with whom there is a personal relationship.
 
Princeton University utilizes EthicsPoint, an independent provider of hotline services, to provide a simple and confidential way to report concerns of any kind stemming from possible noncompliance with laws, government or external agency regulations, or related University policies; errors or irregularities in Princeton's financial accounting practices; or unethical behavior related to a procurement process or transaction.