IBM’s Commitment to Supplier Diversity in Their Purchasing-Celebrating 50 Years of Support!
IWEC’s Vice Chair, Carmen Castillo, CEO, SDI International, Featured in the video
IBM recognizes that a diverse supplier base is integral to company profitability and strategic objectives–solidifying the connection between customer satisfaction and winning in the marketplace. IBM’s supplier diversity program expands purchasing opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minorities, women, lesbian and gay, veterans and service disabled veterans, and disabled persons. Purchasing opportunities are also expanded for our non-profit organizations that hire disabled persons and for HUBZone companies.
Building and maintaining a community of diverse suppliers increases IBM’s opportunity to hear new ideas, apply different approaches, and gain access to additional solutions that respond to customer needs. Such collaboration helps IBM deliver innovation, quality products, and world-class service to a growing global marketplace.
Minority owned businesses are defined as being at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals from any of the following ethnic groups: Black, Hispanic, Native (including Eskimo and Native Hawaiians) and Asian Americans; or is “minority controlled” by 30% of its voting stock, board of directors and management.
Women owned businesses are defined as being at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.
LGBT owned businesses are defined as being at least 51% owned by one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered individuals.
IBM’s Supplier Diversity brochure covers their mission and connectivity.
Suppliers that wish to have minority owned, women owned or HUBZone business designation within IBM’s systems must provide appropriate certification(s). Suppliers must acquire and maintain valid certification(s) from the following agencies and/or associations, as appropriate. Where multiple designations apply multiple certifications from multiple agencies/associations are required.