Business and Administration

Auburn University’s supplier diversity mission is to proactively identify, build relationship with, and purchase goods and services from Small Businesses as well as Business Enterprises owned by minorities, women, veterans, and disabled persons that can help Auburn achieve its overall mission of Instruction, Research, and Outreach. This is accomplished by:

• Creating opportunities for Small Businesses/Business Enterprises that result in meaningful economic impact for Auburn University and the City of Auburn.
• Developing partnerships between Small Businesses/Business Enterprises and University departments that result in successful business relationships.
• Increasing diversification of the University’s vendor base through increased opportunities for Small Businesses and Business Enterprises.

A diverse supplier is defined as a U.S. privately held company that is 51% owned and operated by a woman, minority (Hispanic American, African American, Asian American, Native American/Alaskan Native), veteran, or person with a disability.

To register to do business with Auburn University, visit to the JAGGAER Supplier Portal. The JAGGAER Supplier Portal is a one-stop shop for vendors to receive bid, purchase order, and payment notifications. Within the Supplier Information link, diverse suppliers need to self-report their companies and provide the commodities their companies offer for inclusion on Auburn’s supplier and bid listings. Contact PBS at supplierhelp@auburn.edu or 334-844-7771 with questions related to your JAGGAER Supplier Portal record.

Following review and approval of your vendor registration by PBS staff, you will receive an e-mail notification containing your AU vendor number. Please contact PBS at supplierhelp@auburn.edu or 334-844-7771, if you have questions regarding your registration status or any questions related to your JAGGAER Supplier Portal record.

No. It shall be the policy of Auburn University that diverse suppliers will have an equal opportunity to be included in our procurement process. Companies that seek to do business with Auburn must demonstrate the ability to add value, and provide high-quality goods and services that are competitively priced, reliable, and aligned with our superior level of service.

Auburn University’s bid calendar can be viewed on-line at aub.ie/bids.

Bid due dates are arrived at by considering the following:

• Time needs of the University
• Location of the vendors
• Complexity of specifications
• The projected date the bidders will receive the Invitation to Bid.

We have found that one week is a good standard, but it can and does vary.

While it is Auburn University’s preference to do business with diverse suppliers that are currently certified with a reputable 3rd party certification agency (National Minority Supplier Development Council, WBENC, 8A or other acceptable National, State and Local Groups), certification is not a requirement.

It is important to all parties that sales and contracts are mutually beneficial. Some opportunities may be either too large or small for diverse businesses to practically and efficiently manage. These are important considerations for Auburn University when awarding contracts.

Auburn University accepts all reputable 3rd party certification including:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) – www.nmsdc.org
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) – www.wbenc.org
• Small Business Administration (SBA) – www.sba.gov/sdb
• SBA 8(a) Program – www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program
• SBA HUBZone Business Program – www.sba.gov/hubzone
• National Association of Women Business Owners – www.nawbo.org

Auburn University supports events and activities within organizations that include the National Supplier Development Council, (NMSDC) and regional councils including the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council (SRMDC), the Small Business Administration (SBA)and its regional offices, the National Veteran Small Business Conference & Expo, and many others.

Auburn University complies and will comply with all requirements of the Equal Opportunity Clause, 48 CFR 52.222-26. Auburn University has participated in a previous contract subject to the Equal Opportunity Clause and has filed, and will continue to file, all required EEO compliance reports and other reports. The Equal Opportunity program at Auburn University has been subject to a governmental Equal Opportunity compliance review.

Auburn University has developed, and has on file, affirmative action programs required by the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor. Auburn University does not and will not maintain or provide for its employees any segregated facilities, and does not and will not permit its employees to perform their services at any location under its control where segregated facilities are maintained.

Auburn University also complies and will comply with all requirements of the Affirmative Action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, 41 CFR Part 60-300 and Affirmative Action for Individuals with Disabilities in Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, 41 CRF Part 60-741.

No. Specifically, the Director of Procurement and Business Services has the sole responsibility for the procurement of goods and services for the University. The Assistant Directors of Procurement and Business Services, Auburn University Contract Officers, and procurement staff (limited) have been delegated procurement authority by the Director of Procurement and Business Services. The Director of Procurement and Business Services has been delegated this authority by the President of the University.

By State Law, Auburn University is exempt from the payment of Alabama Sales Tax (Section 40-230(15) Code of Alabama, 1975 and further explained in the Department of Revenue Rule G27-0513. Auburn’s Sales Tax Account Number (41506) is printed on all Purchase Orders. Contact Procurement and Business Services for Sales Tax Exemption forms.

Alabama State Law Act 2001-955, Section 4(a)(1),(2), and (3), require the disclosure of certain information regarding vendors and their relationships with Auburn University.

PBS provides value added services associated with the acquisition of and payments for the goods and services AU departments need to fulfill their missions. Services provided by PBS staff include but are not limited to:

• Vendor enrollment
• Processing purchase requisitions
• Issuing requests for bid/proposal/quote and awarding resultant POs/Contracts
• Review and approval of all contracts and Professional Service Contracts
• Audit and approval of payment vouchers/requests
• Issuing payments to vendors

The Office of Inclusion and Diversity has a strategic commitment to prioritize promotion of supplier diversity at Auburn University. The Supplier Diversity Program – spearheaded by the Office of Procurement and Business Services (PBS) – will enhance the University’s relationships with Small Businesses as well as Business Enterprises owned by minorities, women, veterans, and disabled persons by actively identifying diverse businesses. Inclusion and Diversity staff will communicate and educate the University community on supplier diversity goals and best practices.

Burnette Tolbert (Procurement and Business Services) tolbebn@auburn.edu; 334-844-7771