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 from the Blink Small Business Overview page at:
http://blink.ucsd.edu/Blink/External/Topics/Policy/0,1162,12444,00.html

In order to comply with this policy, UCSD sponsors vendor fairs to promote our small business suppliers to the campus community, and holds educational seminars to help vendors learn how to do business with us. UCSD is also a member of the San Diego Minority Supplier Development Council and attends monthly meetings where small businesses present their business qualifications. UCSD gains exposure to a diverse vendor population because of these types of outreach activities. These programs are established to ensure fair opportunities exist for placement of purchases with qualified small businesses.

We encourage all faculty and staff that purchase goods and services to embrace this program by working together with the professional buyers to identify qualified small businesses, 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. All faculty and staff are reminded that whenever dealing with suppliers, that ethical conduct is paramount. Please review the Blink guidelines reaffirming Purchasing Conduct and Ethics at:
http://blink.ucsd.edu/Blink/External/Topics/Policy/0,1162,4705,00.html

We also encourage you to contact UCSD's Small Business Office at: http://blink.ucsd.edu/Blink/External/Topics/Policy/0,1162,11908,00.html with questions regarding your role in ensuring equal opportunity in business contracting. UCSD's Small Business Office provides departments with vendor source listings to assist in the process of identifying and selecting qualified suppliers. Campus personnel are also encouraged to direct suppliers to the Blink Vendor Guide for information that will assist them in doing business with UCSD.

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

                                                Steven W. Relyea
                                                Vice Chancellor -
                                                Business Affairs