Supplier Inclusion Program Policy & Objectives

The Nevada System of Higher Education and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) recognize that an open, competitive atmosphere is beneficial to both buyer and seller, and it is our policy to foster this environment. CSN does not discriminate on any basis. Accordingly, CSN will make good-faith efforts to utilize minority-owned, women-owned, physically challenged, and veteran/service-disabled veterans throughout the procurement process.

This effort does not equate to a quota or a set percentage. All efforts to contact and engage minority-owned, women-owned, physically challenged, and veteran/service-disabled veteran suppliers will be fair and impartial. In accordance with Nevada law, no preference will be given to any business group or classification. The Supplier Inclusion Program has been created to ensure that minority-owned, women-owned, physically challenged and veteran/service-disabled veterans have the unimpeded ability to compete in the procurement process and to do business with CSN.

Supplier Inclusion Program Objectives

The Supplier Inclusion Program’s main objectives include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Actively seek diverse suppliers through organizations that support these business categories and through the use of solicitation lists.
  • Provide educational assistance to suppliers on the methods of doing business with CSN.
  • Encouragement of suppliers to submit a plan identifying second-tier suppliers that are minority-owned, women-owned, physically challenged and veteran/service-disabled veteran to be used for the commodity or service being bid.
  • When subcontractors are utilized, primary suppliers will be encouraged to demonstrate in their bid proposal that they attempted to obtain bids from minority-owned, women-owned, physically challenged, and veteran/service-disabled veteran businesses where applicable.
  • For purchase orders issued below the bidding threshold, the utilization of a diverse supplier base will be an objective facilitated by the purchasing staff.
  • A reporting of transactions will be performed to monitor the success of our efforts to partner with a diverse base of suppliers.