I. PURPOSE

To ensure that a program is developed and implemented that will significantly increase the amount of goods and services the Shelby County Board of Education purchases from minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBE).

II. SCOPE

This policy applies to the procurement of all goods and services by the Shelby County Board of Education, except those exempted by sole source contracts.

III. POLICY STATEMENT

The Shelby County Board of Education recognizes that minority, women, and disadvantaged business owners frequently face unique problems that are not encountered by majority-owned businesses. The Board is committed to ensuring that all vendors have an equal opportunity to do business with the Shelby County Board of Education. Therefore, the Board and administration will take concerted action to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, minority business enterprises will equitably share in the total volume of business awarded by the school system. This will be accomplished by developing and implementing a comprehensive supplier diversity program that will significantly increase the amount of business the school system does with minority, women, and disadvantagedowned business enterprises without sacrificing quality, service, on-time delivery, and competitive value of the goods and services it purchases. Specific program goals will be established by the Board and strategies developed by administration for the awarding of contracts to minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises.

IV. RESPONSIBILITY

1. The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that a comprehensive program is developed and implemented which includes specific program designed to carry out this policy.

2. The Purchasing Department is responsible for actively seeking MWDBE to do business with the Shelby County Board of Education and for complying with the provisions of this policy and the program implementation.

3. The Purchasing Department is responsible for providing quarterly and annual reports showing progress toward meeting the Board's established goals.

4. The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that this policy is followed.