An important part of our strength here at BGE comes from diversity in all that we do - and our Supplier Diversity Program is a great example. For more than 16 years BGE has developed strategic partnerships with diverse suppliers to bring a variety of products and services to the utility. Our Supplier Diversity Program is designed to bring the added value of diversity to our procurement process by proactively seeking small, minority-, women- and service disabled veteran-owned enterprises.
BGE's policy is to continue to develop and strengthen business relationships. We participate in a number of outreach efforts and encourage diverse suppliers to participate in the procurement process. Tapping into the power of our region's diverse supplier base is an effective way to strengthen our company, as well as fuel our community's economy. In fact, BGE's diversity philosophy has proven to be overwhelmingly beneficial not only to our business, but also to our employees, customers and the communities we serve.
We're proud of the success we have had and are excited about future opportunities.
BGE is Maryland's largest gas and electric utility serving more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers. We have served central Maryland for more than 200 years and strive to power a cleaner and brighter future through reliable and safe service, philanthropy, civic engagement, volunteering and strong partnerships.
BGE purchases a wide variety of goods and services from suppliers across the United States. BGE has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion and aspires to be a utility industry leader in the area of supplier diversity. We recognize the importance of supplier diversity in all aspects of our business and procurement practices.
As part of our overall commitment to diversity and inclusion, BGE:
For BGE, helping the Maryland-Washington, D.C., region's diversity-certified suppliers grow is smart business. Stronger businesses mean a stronger economy and stronger communities. It also means better performance for BGE – since 2013 the company has broken reliability records, received multiple J.D. Power awards for customer service, and set new safety performance standards.
Firms interested in doing business with BGE should register on the Exelon Web site and review BGE's Supplier Diversity Qualifications and What We Buy.
BGE's Diverse Business Empowerment Program is focused on opportunities for minority suppliers who provide a wide array of utility products and services. In fact, there are more than 65 categories where vendors and specifically diversity certified suppliers may be used to provide the goods and services needed to run the company.
The business units within BGE are aware of the importance of supplier diversity when making their decisions.
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, and sometimes required, to attend these meetings and submit proposals by the due date in order to be considered for a contract. On occasion, 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.
Due to the nature of the utility business, many procurement opportunities may limit participation by small businesses. BGE's 2nd Tier Spend Program increases the opportunities available to diversity certified suppliers in our business and ensures a diversity certified supplier pool across the supply chain. We believe these efforts will stimulate the local economy by creating jobs.
2nd Tier spend consists of payments made from a prime supplier to a diversity certified supplier for the purchase of products or services used directly in support of a contract with BGE.
Learn more about supplier diversity qualifications, what we buy and applying.
Get more information on groups that help aid diverse suppliers in Central Maryland.
Contact Us:
For more information about BGE's Supplier Diversity Program, please use the contact information below.
Phone: 1-800-243-0341supplierdiversity@bge.com
