Overview

The Supplier Diversity Program (formerly known as Affirmative Market Program) was established in September, 2010 via Executive Order 524 to promote equality in the state contracting market by ensuring full participation of minority and women owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) in all areas of state contracting including construction, design, goods and services. Find out about opportunities in the state contracting market for minority and women owned business enterprises, and for resources & guidance to assist vendors in completing their SDP Plan.

For any questions on the Commonwealth's Supplier Diversity Program please contact our office.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Operational Services Division
Supplier Diversity Program
1 Ashburton Place Room 1313
Boston, MA 02108

Help Desk Email: sdp@state.ma.us

Please note, the helpdesk is for Supplier Diversity Program assistance only, if you require assistance regarding your Supplier Diversity Office Certification please contact the Supplier Diversity Office directly at 617-502-8853 or email Tom.Hall@state.ma.us

Gladymar Parziale, Director - Tel: 617-720-3166
 

Supplier Diversity Program Objectives:

  • Assist in fostering relationships between M/WBEs and state agencies.
  • Enhance the utilization of M/WBEs within state contracting to facilitate their economic development.
  • Address obstacles to full participation of M/WBEs in the state procurement process in order to reflect the rich diversity of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Educate and empower M/WBEs to ensure their full involvement.
  • Provide outreach to local communities and businesses.
  • Publish the Supplier Diversity Program Annual Report, highlighting M/WBE participation.


Please share your notes, suggestions and success stories via email to sdp@osd.state.ma.us
 

Vendor Certification

Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) certification (fomerly know as SOMWBA certification) qualifies businesses to participate in the Supplier Diversity Program.

The Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) is an agency within the Operational Services Division which promotes the development of certified minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE) and minority-women-owned (M/WBE) business enterprises, including minority-controlled (M/NPO), women-controlled (W/NPO) and minority-women-controlled (W/NPO) non-profit organizations. It does this by facilitating their participation in Massachusetts business and economic development opportunities. Specifically, SDO offers services in certification, enforcement, business assistance and advocacy.

Certification is the process by which SDO reviews and investigates applicants who seek to participate in affirmative business opportunities to determine that they meet the requirements of state and federal statutes and regulations. SDO certification is a marketing tool used to enhance a firm's ability to do business in public markets. Although certification does not guarantee that a business will be successful every time it bids, it may add a competitive edge to firms seeking contracts with the government.

Finally, SDO publicizes a directory of certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises and certified minority- and women-controlled non-profit organizations on its website. The website also lists information on how to become certified and provides a calendar of workshops held around the state.