Supplier Diversity Glossary

A federal program that helps small disadvantaged businesses compete for government contracts through business development assistance.

A federal program that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities.

A sworn statement declaring that a business and its owners meet certification eligibility requirements.

A specialized DBE certification for businesses seeking concession opportunities at airports receiving FAA funding.

A formal response to a solicitation that details how a contractor will meet requirements and at what price.

A simplified acquisition method for filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services.

A law requiring the federal government to prefer U.S.-made products in its purchases.

A one-page document summarizing a company's competencies, certifications, and qualifications for contracting.

A 5-character identifier assigned to businesses and government agencies for defense and federal supply systems.

A requirement that a diverse subcontractor perform real, substantial work rather than simply passing through funds.

A unique 9-digit identifier previously used for business registration in federal systems, now replaced by UEI.

The supplement to the FAR that contains acquisition regulations specific to the Department of Defense.

The leading nonprofit resource for disability inclusion in business and the certifying body for disability-owned businesses.

A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more individuals with a disability.

A for-profit small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

The total dollar value of purchases made from certified diverse suppliers.

A WOSB whose women owners also meet specific economic disadvantage thresholds.

A condition where an individual's ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities.

The primary regulation governing federal government procurement.

Documented steps taken to meet diversity participation goals on a contract.

Long-term government-wide contracts with pre-negotiated pricing for products and services.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone certification for small businesses located in designated economically distressed areas.

A contract that provides for an indefinite quantity of services or supplies during a fixed time period.

A business arrangement where two or more parties agree to combine resources for a specific project while retaining separate identities.

A business that is at least 51% owned by an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) individual.

A program that pairs experienced businesses with small businesses to enhance capabilities and competitiveness.

A business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority individuals.

The business voice of the LGBT community and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses.

The leading third-party certifying organization for minority-owned businesses in the United States.

A third-party certifier of veteran-owned businesses for corporate supplier diversity programs.

The standard used by federal agencies to classify businesses by industry for statistical and contracting purposes.

A record of a contractor's previous work experience used to evaluate their capability for new contracts.

The total value of an individual's assets minus liabilities, used to determine economic disadvantage.

A contractor that has a direct contractual relationship with the government or purchasing organization.

Local organizations that provide free counseling to businesses seeking government contracts.

A 4-character code used by the federal government to describe products and services in procurement.

A solicitation document requesting vendors to submit detailed proposals for goods or services.

A solicitation used when the government intends to award based primarily on price.

A small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability.

A federal contract reserved exclusively for competition among specific categories of small businesses.

The federal agency that supports small businesses through loans, contracting assistance, and certification programs.

SBA-funded centers that provide free business consulting and training to small businesses.

A business that meets size standards established by the SBA for its industry classification.

The statutory requirement for federal agencies to award a percentage of contracts to small businesses.

A small business that is at least 51% owned by one or more disadvantaged individuals.

A condition where individuals have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias that has affected their business opportunities.

A contract awarded to a specific contractor without competitive bidding.

A legacy 4-digit classification system for industries that has been largely replaced by NAICS codes.

A required plan for federal contracts over $750,000 describing how a contractor will use small business subcontractors.

A contractor that is hired by a prime contractor to perform a portion of work under a contract.

A proactive business program that promotes the use of diverse-owned businesses in an organization's supply chain.

The official federal government database where businesses must register to receive government contracts.

A written agreement between companies to work together in pursuit of a specific contract opportunity.

A supplier that sells directly to the purchasing organization (also known as a direct supplier or prime supplier).

A supplier that provides goods or services to a Tier 1 supplier rather than directly to the end buyer.

A 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities registering in SAM.gov, replacing the DUNS number.

A small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans.

A federal certification for small businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.

A business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

The largest third-party certifier of women-owned businesses in the United States.