The Journal

Reporting on supplier diversity.

Working coverage of certifications, corporate procurement, federal contracting, financing, and the operators making each work for diverse-owned businesses. Every piece checked against primary sources.

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Guide

Guide · 9 min

How to sell to NASA as a diverse business

NASA obligated roughly $8.3 billion in FY2023, with small businesses capturing about 20% of that spend. The agency runs active set-aside programs …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 9 min

How to get into corporate supply chains as a small business

A buyer-and-supplier guide to corporate supply chains built on compliance and economic impact, not sentiment. Covers FAR subcontracting plans, Tier 1 vs. …

· Maya Okonkwo

Guide

Guide · 9 min

The ROI of supplier diversity in the supply chain

A buyer-side look at what diverse suppliers actually return: federal subcontracting compliance under FAR 19.7, Tier 2 spend reporting, Scope 3 data …

· Maya Okonkwo

Guide

Guide · 8 min

How to sell to the Department of State as a diverse business

The Department of State obligates over $7 billion per year in contracts, with a dedicated Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 7 min

How to write a federal subcontracting plan: what contracting officers actually want

Federal contracts above $750K require a subcontracting plan with specific percentage goals for small and diverse businesses. Primes that submit vague plans …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 7 min

Subcontracting plan compliance: what the SBA audits and how to stay in good standing

Approved subcontracting plans carry legal obligations enforced by SBA Commercial Market Representatives. Non-compliance can trigger liquidated damages under FAR 52.219-16 or contract …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 9 min

Asian-owned business certification and contracts

Asian-owned firms qualify for both corporate (NMSDC, USPAACC) and federal (SBA 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone) certifications. Here's what each one costs, how …

· Maya Okonkwo

Guide

Guide · 8 min

Supply chain diversity vs supplier diversity: what is the difference

Supplier diversity tracks direct (Tier 1) spend with diverse-owned firms. Supply chain diversity is the broader system, including the Tier 2 subcontracting …

· Maya Okonkwo

Guide

Guide · 9 min

Tier 2 supplier diversity in the supply chain, explained

Tier 2 is the diverse spend your direct suppliers make on your behalf. This guide covers how it's calculated, the federal subcontracting …

· Maya Okonkwo

Guide

Guide · 8 min

LGBTQ-owned business certification (LGBTBE) and how to use it

The LGBTBE certification from NGLCC is the recognized credential for LGBTQ-owned businesses chasing corporate and government supplier spend. Here are the real …

Jul 6, 2026 · Maya Okonkwo

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