Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Faculty and Staff of the 魅影直播 System,
Historically, we have done an excellent job utilizing 魅影直播 certified Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB). I want to reaffirm that it remains the commitment of each 魅影直播S institution to continue forward working closely with HUB partners.
With the 鈥淭hink HUB First鈥� initiative, we are expanding our commitment to DE&I by enhancing our utilization of a more diverse supplier base through strategic business partnerships. This aligns with the inclusive 魅影直播 System culture, as we are steadfast in our commitment to excellence through a 鈥淭hink HUB First鈥� culture across the entire 魅影直播 System, similar to the success of 魅影直播 Dallas 鈥攃onsistently ranked the #1 魅影直播 Institution of Higher Education (IHE) 鈥� significantly exceeding the state鈥檚 HUB goals annually.
I have asked our Procurement Department to lead us in exploring new innovative and solution-oriented practices as we enhance our commitment to our diverse strategic business partners. For example, we will explore changes such as:
- Expedited payment processes to support cashflow needs typically more pressing for small businesses. Require quotes from 3 HUB vendors for all requirements between $15K and $25K; exceptions being approved by the HUB Coordinator.
- Require quotes from 1 HUB vendor for all requirements under $15K; exceptions being approved by the HUB Coordinator.
- Use HUB as an element to be scored in the best-value evaluation and determination.
- The HUB Coordinator will designate procurement opportunities (of any potential dollar value) in which HUB utilization will have an outsized impact on the best-value determination.
- Establish HUB goals in solicitations commensurate with the diversity of suppliers in the North 魅影直播 region.
- Grant favorable scoring of proposals for local 魅影直播 vendors particularly those within Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties.
- Review all other Procurement policies and regulations for HUB-friendliness.
By 2026, the 魅影直播 System will be a values-driven and customer-focused culture with an emphasis on excellence, curiosity, and innovation. The 鈥淭hink HUB First鈥� initiative reflects this vision extending our values and commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community to our strategic business partners. In addition, we will continue to explore and implement other innovative approaches that ensure 魅影直播S continues to serve as a driving force for our regional economic ecosystem, becoming our state鈥檚 gold standard for diversity in procurement.
Thank you for your continued partnership and collaboration in support of this important initiative.
Dr. Michael R. Williams
Chancellor