Supplier Diversity

Dell's key differentiator is our direct-to-customer business model - building superior, direct customer relationships with an increasingly diverse marketplace.

Because Dell deals directly with our customers, eliminating the middleman, we can deliver the best price for performance, build customized systems featuring the latest technology, and provide award-winning, tailored customer service. Dell follows the same barrier-free model in our relationships with employees and suppliers. Our direct culture fosters innovation, creativity and solutions - making Dell the computer technology supplier of choice for customers around the world. And we depend on the contributions of diverse suppliers to support our teams and serve our customers.

To register with Dell Supplier Diversity and learn more about current partnership opportunities, please click around our Supplier Diversity web pages

Regards,

Michael S. Dell

Dell Supplier Diversity actively identifies diverse companies to participate in non-production and production procurement opportunities. We work directly with commodity managers to identify upcoming procurement opportunities and matches between supplier capabilities and procurement needs/business requirements.

Dell Supplier Diversity maintains an internal database, which is used as a reference tool to identify diverse suppliers for potential procurement opportunities. We require third-party certification for diverse suppliers to be included in the database.

Please ensure that your company is certified as a diverse supplier by a third-party (see FAQs ) before soliciting business with Dell Supplier Diversity.

Please note: Supplier Diversity Database registration qualifies your company for consideration in the bidding process; however, it does not guarantee that your company will be awarded business with Dell.

In addition to the Dell Supplier Diversity Database, we utilize other recognized diverse databases when searching for suppliers. We recommend registration with one or more of the following agencies: the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

Diverse companies that meet Dell's procurement specifications and standards of excellence have an opportunity to partner with Dell in delivering quality products and services to Dell and its customers. Some of the qualities we look for in our suppliers are:

Cost competitiveness Understanding of Dell's business Proven track record and references Good financial standing Ability to conduct business electronically, e.g. via e-mail and internet Competitive advantage and "Value Added" capabilities Ability to grow with Dell Core competency in supplier's line of business Technological capabilities (hardware & software) For production suppliers: Continuity of Supply strategy For production suppliers: Quality processes (ISO 9000 or equivalent) Diverse supplier certification by a third-party: Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Small Business Administration 8(a) Program (SBA 8(a)), Woman-owned Small Business (WOSB), Veteran-owned Small Business (VOSB), Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE), and/or Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone).

Diverse Supplier Classification Definitions

For more information about the following definitions, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

Small Business Concern (SB) Small Disadvantaged Business Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVOSB) HUBZone Small Business Concern (HUBZone) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)

Small Business Concern (SB)

A small business as defined pursuant to Section 3 of the Small Business Act and relevant regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Generally, this means a small business concern organized for profit, which is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operations in which it is bidding, and meets the size standards as prescribed in Government regulations.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)

A small business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

A small business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, or in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more women; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)

"Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)" is a business not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and (b) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by or more veterans. VETERAN -- The term "veteran" has the meaning defined in 38 U.S.C. 101

Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVOSB)

"Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVOSB)" is a business not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more disabled veterans; and (b) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more disabled veterans. VETERAN -- The term "veteran" has the meaning defined in 38 U.S.C. 101.

HUBZone Small Business Concern (HUBZone)

This program is based on the geographical area where your business is located and where 35 percent of your employees reside. The company must be small, located in a HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone), owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens, and at least 35 percent of its employees reside in a HUBZone.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

A U.S. based business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by minorities, or in the case of any publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more minorities; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the minority individuals who own it. Minority persons include African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Pacific Americans, Asian-Indian Americans, and Native Americans.

Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)

A U.S.-based business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by women, or in the case of any publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more women; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the women who own it.