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MCONNECT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mission
Supporting diversity, socially responsible procurement and sustainability is highly valued at the University of Michigan. These ideals are central to our academic, research, and athletic excellence.
The goal of the MConnect Program is to provide a resource that will assist the University of Michigan community in locating and establishing relationships with enterprises that embody these characteristics.
The MConnect Program was developed to serve both those looking to procure goods or services from vendors supporting these ideals, and to promote vendors who meet these unique needs, while providing quality goods and services.
Program Objectives
Promote a commitment throughout the University of Michigan to maintain competitive procurement processes which include all segments of the business community and incorporate socially responsible and sustainable procurement practices.
Diversify the University’s supplier portfolio to secure better prices and higher quality products and services through increased competition.
Develop and maintain a supplier population that is representative of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the community we serve.
Reflect our commitment as an economic partner in the communities in which we conduct business.
Encourage the development of environmentally friendly practices in our supplier community, and promote vendors whose businesses provide environmentally sustainable products or services.
Provide University of Michigan staff involved in the acquisition of materials and services adequate tools and training to locate and utilize vendors who meet their spending requirements while supporting diversity, socially responsible procurement, and sustainability.
Policy
Procurement Services, within the published policies and procedures of the University of Michigan, will:
- Increase departmental awareness of the MConnect Program.
- Educate vendors regarding how to conduct business with the University of Michigan.
- Give every reasonable business opportunity to minority-owned, women-owned, small disadvantaged, HUB Zone, veteran-owned and service-disabled-veteran owned businesses.
- Procurement of goods and services from such concerns shall be made to the fullest extent possible, consistent with this policy and the efficient performance of operations.
- Every employee who is delegated the responsibility to directly commit the expenditure of funds for the procure of goods and services shall encourage meaningful participation of these business enterprises.
Business Development Overview
The University of Michigan is committed to vendor development because it contributes to the expansion of markets and strengthens the supply base.
Each year the University of Michigan procures just over $1 billion in goods and services. The University of Michigan continues to promote spending with a diverse supplier pool and to promote vendors who employ environmentally sustainable methodologies in their business operations.
The University of Michigan has active MConnect vendors that represent a multitude of commodities. The University of Michigan's MConnect Program is directed by the Procurement Services Leadership Team and is integrated with University-wide procurement strategies.
Potential vendors with products and services suitable to the University of Michigan's requirements are encouraged to complete an MConnect Vendor Registration form. Vendor profiles are queried by decision makers for consideration on current and future projects.
"The MConnection"
Recognizing that it may be difficult for new suppliers to know how to solicit University of Michigan business, the director of Procurement Services formed the MConnect team to grow and maintain the MConnect Program. The team’s responsibilities include educating procurement staff on resources available for finding diverse businesses and providing the University of Michigan community with vendor information that is easily accessible.
The MConnect Program strives to link University of Michigan department requirements to a qualified, diverse vendor "pool" in order to increase the University of Michigan's spend year after year with vendors who meet our spending objectives. Department staff can utilize our active MConnect vendor listing to search for registered vendors, or search public sites to locate new vendors to bring into the supplier pool.
MConnect actively promotes opportunities to increase procurement of goods and services from diverse vendors, vendors who practice socially responsible procurement and promote environmental sustainability; and, we expect no less of our suppliers. Our active vendors are encouraged to have reviewed and endorsed our Code of Conduct for University of Michigan Vendors.
For general information on how to do business with the University of Michigan visit our Information for Vendors.
Getting Started as an "MConnected" Vendor
Complete the MConnect Vendor Registration form to enter your business into the MConnect Electronic Bid List.
The MConnect Vendor Registration form was developed to identify the appropriate University of Michigan procurement contact for you, and to provide the Procurement staff and University of Michigan community with basic information about your company.
Include any company brochures or marketing materials when returning the completed form. The materials will be reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate Procurement staff member. If we are in need of your product or service, a Procurement representative will contact you regarding next steps or other details.
If there is no current need for your product or service, your information will remain in the database for future procurement requirements.
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