Equitable Procurement Program
Dollar sign with arrows in left and right direction (Image Courtesy Adobe Stock(
In response to a deep need for more inclusivity and fairness in institutional purchasing, The Center for Shared Prosperity at Carnegie Mellon University has established an Equitable Procurement Program (EPP) aimed at fostering equality, diversity, and social responsibility. This initiative emphasizes transparent, unbiased, and inclusive procurement practices to benefit a wider range of suppliers, focusing particularly on a cohort of ten black-owned restaurants and caterers in the Pittsburgh region as supported by our fantastic collaborators at BEAM.
The program has emphasized comprehensive strategies, including a meticulous review of existing procurement policies, engagement with diverse suppliers through collaboration with local partners, and the incorporation of equity-focused criteria within the supplier evaluation and selection processes. Additionally, we have undertaken capacity-building interventions and workshops as integral to the EPP, ensuring suppliers from varied backgrounds are well-informed and equipped to participate in procurement opportunities. We aim to continue supporting other institutions in cultivating equitable procurement practices and contributing to broader social equity goals.
We worked in close coordination with the BEAM Collaborative and in conjunction with these minority owned businesses to develop a website to cater to creating easier purchasing from them. You can access our directory of these establishments at the link below. There, you can explore and sort through businesses with specific options such as vegan choices, or various services like delivery and catering.
