BGE's Supplier Diversity Program provides purchasing opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). Our staff is dedicated to identifying qualified diverse firms who offer high-quality, cost-competitive goods and services, and matching them with the needs of the company.
The program staff familiarizes diverse suppliers with BGE's buying procedures, then helps them establish relationships with BGE departments who are in need of their products and services. Referrals and technical assistance are provided on request.
The Supplier Diversity Program actively seeks diverse suppliers through trade shows, advertising in local and national media, and working with business and advocacy groups. BGE is an active corporate member of several organizations that are dedicated to fostering minority business development, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Maryland/District of Columbia Minority Supplier Development Council, National Association of Women Business Owners, and the Edison Electric Institute Supplier Diversity Committee. BGE purchases thousands of goods and services annually. The following are types of products and services that our operating departments need:
Corporate Procurement
Vehicles, mobile construction equipment, material handling equipment, office equipment, machines and furniture, office supplies, contract personnel, safety equipment, janitorial supplies, uniforms, paint, HVAC equipment, conduits, cable trays, and towers.
Customer Relations and Field Services Procurement
Customer and market research, customer service training, advertising, call centers, credit and collection agencies.
Electric Transmission, Distribution Gas Procurement
Transformers, wire, cable, switches, insulators, lamps, metal poles, wood poles, gas and electric meters, gas operations, planning, engineering, construction and associated services.
Gas Supply Procurement
Natural gas.
Firms interested in doing business with BGE should complete the Supplier Questionnaire (see below) and return it to the Supplier Diversity Program. Applications are reviewed and sent to buyers who may need the firm's products or services. Qualifying firms may be included on BGE's supplier database and considered for future projects.
Qualified firms invited to bid on specific contracts are sent a Request For Proposal (RFP). Some RFPs require the bidder to attend pre-bid meetings to review procedures and specifications. Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings and submit proposals by the due date in order to be considered for a contract. To be fair to all bidders, BGE does not provide premiums or set-asides for diverse suppliers. On occasion, however, we issue purchase orders in limited amounts without going through a competitive bid process. These purchase orders are used to test and evaluate the product and services of new and promising firms, and can often lead to larger bidding opportunities.
Bids and proposals that meet specified requirements are thoroughly evaluated, and awards are made to the firms offering the best value to BGE.
