Corporate Purchasing - University of Rochester

Memorandum

To:	University of Rochester Community
From:	Ronald J. Paprocki
Date:	August 10, 2006
Subject:	Small Business Supplier Diversity Position Statement

As a Federal Contractor, the University of Rochester encourages the participation of suppliers classified as small, small-disadvantaged, small women-owned, small veteran-owned, small service-disabled veteran-owned and small HUBZone business concerns (collectively referred to as “Small Business Concerns”) in our Corporate Purchasing activities. As a means of strengthening and developing our supplier community, we support federal policy that Small Business Concerns have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in purchase orders and subcontracts for materials, supplies and services consistent with effective and economic purchasing practices.

Dan Leyrer, Corporate Purchasing Manager in the Corporate Purchasing Office (585-275-2010), has been designated as the Small Business Liaison Officer for the University. Dan represents the University in various Small Business organizations and attends related functions in an ongoing effort to identify and promote small business opportunities in University purchases. He is a resource for advice, information, sourcing, matchmaking and training for University of Rochester departments and small businesses.

The University commitment to diversity is emphasized in President Joel Seligman's inaugural address: (http://www.rochester.edu/inauguration/address.html). Clearly, this includes our purchasing activity. The University plays an important role in contributing to the health of the community in which we operate. Small Businesses reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that has made and continues to make this country great. They foster innovation, creativity and competition. As part of the supplier community, Small Business Concerns will bring lower operational costs, world-class quality and customer focused service to allow the University to pursue its mission of education, research and patient care. The office of Corporate Purchasing for the University of Rochester is charged with the responsibility of supporting activities intended to advance Small Business Concerns, and we encourage your support for increased small business participation in our purchasing transactions.