SUBJECT:  Equal Opportunity in Business Contracting

The purpose of this notice is to reaffirm UCSD's commitment to equal opportunity in business contracting. UCSD's policy governing nondiscrimination in business contracting requires that we ensure all purchases by the University are made in a fair and impartial manner. A statement of this policy is available for review at http://www.ucop.edu/matmgt/matmgt/sbdgui.html.

In order to comply with this policy, UCSD employs a broad range of outreach activities designed to improve the University's access to qualified small businesses including disadvantaged, women-owned and disabled veteran suppliers. These programs are designed to ensure fair opportunities exist for placement of purchases with such firms.

In support of this goal, UCSD will be holding the 3rd annual Vendor Faire on September 14, 2000 to provide suppliers with information about how to do business with UCSD. This event will feature workshops to assist new suppliers regarding the University's purchasing business practices. UCSD is also a member of the San Diego Minority Supplier Development Council and attends monthly meetings where disadvantaged, women-owned and disabled veteran suppliers present their business qualifications. UCSD gains exposure to a diverse vendor population as a result of these types of outreach activities.

All departmental requesters and departmental buyers are encouraged to embrace this program by working together with the professional buyers to identify UCSD's diverse vendor population, and aim to achieve successful business relationships. Only through this spirit of teamwork, cooperation and communication will we achieve UCSD's commitment to equal opportunity in business contracting.

You are encouraged to contact UCSD's Small Business Office or the professional buyers with questions regarding your role in ensuring equal opportunity in business contracting. Learn more about the Small Business Program by accessing their web site at http://www-bfs.ucsd.edu/pur/. UCSD's Small Business Office will provide departments with vendor source listings to assist in the process of identifying and selecting qualified suppliers. Campus personnel is encouraged to direct suppliers to Purchasing's web site titled, "Vendor Guide to Doing Business with UCSD" at http://www-bfs.ucsd.edu/pur/ to learn more about UCSD purchasing opportunities.

Please join me in supporting our commitment to equal opportunity in business contracting at UCSD.

                                                Steven W. Relyea
                                                Vice Chancellor