Supplier Diversity Program

PURCHASING OFFICES

USF Tampa:

Purchasing Services 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1073

Tampa, FL 33620Phone: 813.974.2481

USF St. Petersburg:

Purchasing & Parking Services 140 USFSP Harborwalk Ave South, FPF 122

St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5016Phone: 727.873.4199

Fax: 727.873.4686

USF Sarasota-Manatee:

Purchasing and Business Services 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, SMC-B116

Sarasota, FL 34243-2049Phone: 941.359.4223

Fax: 941.359.4441

PURCHASING SERVICES

University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1073

Tampa, Florida 33620Phone: 813.974.2481

Fax: 813.974.5362usf.edu/business-finance/purchasing/

staff-procedures/index.aspx

USF is committed to working with all businesses within our community. We encourage small, minority, service disabled veteran and women-owned businesses to become certified by the State of Florida. For information and assistance in becoming certified, please contact:

Florida Small Business Development Center at USF 1101 Channelside Drive, Suite 210 Tampa, FL 33602813.905.5800sbdctampabay.org

Florida Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity4050 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FL 32399-0950850-488-2786http://osd.dms.state.fl.us

State of Florida certified minority businesses can be found under “Department Information” on the Supplier Diversity website

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The USF System was formed to bring its three institutions together, so that collectively and collaboratively they could serve the region and beyond in optimal ways, resulting in a stronger presence and a distinctiveness that provides an unstoppable competitive differentiation.

In addition to being a strong and unified voice for higher education, the USF System seeks to find and capitalize on synergies and economies of scale among its institutions that are of benefit to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and communities.

USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action Institution

The applicant/business must be:

Engaged in commercial transactions.

• Domiciled in Florida “Domicile” is defined as the state in which the business has its principal place of business.

• At least 51% owned by minority persons who are permanent residents of Florida. “Minority” is defined as African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, or American Woman. “American” is defined as a citizen of the United States of America. Permanent resident aliens are not eligible for certification.

• Managed and controlled by minority persons.

• Performing a useful business function.

• A small business which: - Is independently owned and operated.- Has a net worth less than $5 million. - Employs 200 or fewer full-time, permanent employees.

0r Is recognized as an 8(a) certified business by the federal government.

THE UNIVERSITY’S MISSION is to continue active pursuit of purchasing opportunities for small, minority, service disabled veteran and women-owned businesses that provide goods and services purchased by USF. It is also our mission to represent USF in the community by involvement in small and minority business associations and organizations.

Our objectives are to promote the participation of small businesses, including businesses owned by women and minorities among University departments, academic units, and prime contractors and to actively represent USF in the business community through involvement in small and minority business associations and organizations.

CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

THE BID PROCESS: WHAT WE BUY

The University of South Florida conducts an open, competitive bidding process. Depending on the dollar value, and the scope of work, the bidding process may take the form of an Informal Bid, Formal Bid, Request for Proposal, or Invitation to Negotiate.

• Informal Bids or Quotes are used for purchases below $75,000. Informal bids may be solicited by phone, fax, e-mail, or mail.

• Formal Bids, Request for Proposals, or Invitation to Negotiate are used for procurement of activities over $75,000. They remain sealed until the scheduled public opening.

Typical Purchasing needs include, but are not limited to:

COMMODITIES

• Audio Visual Equipment• Art and Craft Supplies• Biologicals• Carpet/Floor Coverings• Chemicals• Computers, Equipment & Software• Electrical Equipment & Supplies• Furniture• Hardware & Tools• Heating & HVAC• Hospital Equipment & Supplies• Janitorial Supplies • Lab Equipment & Supplies• Landscaping Equipment & Supplies• Medical Equipment & Supplies • Paper & Paper Products• Pharmaceuticals• Photographic Equipment & Supplies• Printing & Copying• Photographic Equipment & Supplies• School Equipment & Supplies• Telecommunications Equipment• Vehicles

SERVICES

• Advertising• Construction/Renovation• Copying• Janitorial • Laundry

• Medical Lab• Temporary Personnel• Training/Consulting• Travel• Transportation

GETTING STARTED

1. If you are interested in becoming a supplier, please complete a USF Vendor Application. Applications may be obtained through the Supplier Diversity website: www.usf.edu/supplierdiversity

SUBMIT your Vendor Application along with a copy of your small, minority, or woman-owned business certification to: vendorapps@usf.edu

2. Upon receipt of your vendor application, your information will be entered into the USF Supplier Database and forwarded to the appropriate Purchasing Agent or department.

3. Bids are posted regularly on the Supplier Diversity website under “Bids Currently Available”: www.usf.edu/supplierdiversity/bids.htm

4. Contact our Purchasing Agents to introduce your company and for referrals to department buyers with purchasing responsibilities for your product or service. A listing of our Purchasing Agents can be accessed at our website under “How to Do Business.”

5. Market your product or service to the various departments with purchasing responsibilities for your product or service. A courtesy telephone call for an appointment is requested before visiting USF departments.