Participation by Minority Business Enterprises

It is the policy of the University of Missouri to ensure full and equitable economic opportunities to persons and businesses that compete for business with the University. The University expects participation in contracts for goods and services by firms that are certified as Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). This may either be by the primary contractor being a qualified M/WBE or by the utilization of M/WBE suppliers by the primary contractor. Contractors are required to make a “best effort” in support of the University's policy. The following procedures implement the University's guidelines for encouraging increased participation by minority owned business enterprises in general procurement activities.

Discretionary Purchases

Cardholders are encouraged to utilize Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) for purchasing ca rd transactions whenever possible. A list of links to directories of certified M/WBEs can be found at http://www.umsystem.edu/minbusdev .

Bid Process

Bids issued by Procurement Services will be sent to all qualified, known M/WBE companies included in the vendor database. In addition, all bid requests are handled by Procurement Services are listed at http://www.pmm.missouri.edu/ and may be downloaded or requested by any interested party.

Tie Bids

In case of a tie bid between an MBE vendor and a non-MBE vendor, where both are Missouri firms, the award should go to the MBE vendor; however, if one vendor is a Missouri firm and the other is not, the award should go to the Missouri firm.

Information for Vendors

If an MBE vendor wants information on how to do business with the University, encourage the vendor to contact MU Procurement Services (882-3201), 1105 Carrie Francke Drive, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211.