Supplier Diversity

Supplier Diversity

Supplier Diversity describes a supply chain that includes a wide variety of suppliers and vendors based on size, ownership, and goods and services offerings. Utility companies have found that doing business with small to medium-sized diverse businesses fuel economic growth in their local communities.

By encouraging diverse businesses to compete in the marketplace, utilities can rely on competition to lower prices and increase the quality of the products and services they receive. In the case of investor-owned utilities with an authorized rate of return, supplier diversity can be one of the most significant drivers of competition. All of which translates into better service and lower rates for Arizona customers. A diverse supplier base has become an essential component of good business providing a wider range of innovative products and services for both the regulated utilities and the wider state economy.

Arizona Water Company is executing this plan as a means of “good business”. It is doing so without set-asides, preferential treatments, or quotas. Arizona Water Company retains its authority to use its discretion and good business judgement to select qualified suppliers in providing high quality water utility services to its customers.

To aid in achieving our diversity goals qualified suppliers are encouraged to become certified. This will facilitate the verification process. Once certified, the vendor’s contact information is entered into a database visible to all participating utilities as a certified diverse vendor. A certification Clearinghouse you can certify with is sch.thesupplierclearinghouse.com.

If you are a small, diverse, locally owned business that has products or services that we purchase and want an opportunity to talk to Arizona Water Company please complete Arizona Water Company New Vendor Information Form and e-mail it to Rashelle Spencer, Supplier Diversity Procurement Coordinator at [email protected].