Supplier Diversity at Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy’s corporate policies underscore our commitment to supplier diversity by recognizing that it is in our best interest to encourage a broad base of supplier relationships. Utilizing diverse suppliers contributes to the economic growth and expansion of the communities we serve. Our policy is to offer these businesses the opportunity to compete in Xcel Energy’s procurement for products and services.
Also, Xcel Energy develops and strengthens business relationships with diverse suppliers by:
- Conducting outreach effort to seek, identify and encourage supplier diversity in our procurement processes;
- Facilitating alliances and partnering;
- Educating businesses about our procurement and business processes;
- Identifying and encouraging subcontracting (tier two) opportunities with major suppliers when direct participation is not possible.
Definition of a diverse supplier
Xcel Energy recognizes the following business class definitions of the Federal government and other certifying agencies in its Supplier Diversity Program:
- Small Business (SB)
- A firm, including its affiliates, which is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of operation, and qualifies as a small business under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR part 121 (see FAR 19.102).
- Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- A small business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.
- Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
- A small business concern at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged; for a publicly owned business, at least 51% of its stock must be owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and must be controlled by one or more such individuals. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, and Native Americans are presumed to qualify. Other individuals can qualify if they show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that they are disadvantaged. All individuals must have a net worth of less than $750,000, excluding the equity of the business and primary residence. Successful applicants must also meet applicable size standards for small businesses in their industry. For further definition see the SDB section of the U.S. Small Business Administration Web site.
- Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)
- A small business concern that is 51% owned and controlled by a veteran or group of veterans.
- Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- A small business concern that is 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran(s).
- Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Business (HUBZone) Program
- Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created to stimulate economic development and create jobs in urban and rural communities. HUBZone certified small businesses receive Federal contracting preferences. The SBA certifies HUBZone status to eligible businesses. Although HUBZone status is normally listed on the Dynamic Small Business Search, the preferred method of verification is by accessing the HUBZone Home page.
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- A business at least 51% owned, controlled and operated by a minority group member(s) of one of the following ethnicities: African American, Asian-Indian American, Asian-Pacific American, Hispanic American, Native American.
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Doing business with Us
- We purchase a wide variety of products and services. You may be invited to bid on goods and services, you will receive a clearly stated product or service specification and deadline to submit the bid.
- Occasionally, suppliers will be asked to furnish catalogs, quotations or other pertinent information. It is important that you fulfill these requests completely and promptly.
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Qualifications and eligibility requirements
For-profit companies that are at least 51 percent owned, controlled and operated by one or more persons in identified business classifications. Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB) or HubZone (HB) Small Businesses must be certified by Small Business Administration (SBA). To learn the eligibility requirements for these programs and how to apply, please consult the central contractor registration section of the U.S. Small Business Administration Web site.
Xcel Energy supports the development of minority and woman owned businesses by establishing partnerships with national, local and state agencies. We also recognize and accept minority-owned and woman-owned business certification from national, local, state agencies. To learn the eligibility requirements for these programs and how to apply, please contact one of the following agencies:
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