Supplier Opportunity

Virginia Tech supports the use of SWaM and labor surplus area suppliers whenever possible and departments should make these firms a priority when selecting suppliers for their purchases. 

Virginia Tech has many diverse suppliers providing a wide array of goods and services.

Please search our link for a list of SWaM suppliers.

In alignment with federal and Virginia state requirements, Virginia Tech is committed to fostering opportunities for SWaM businesses, supporting their growth and participation in procurement and contracting activities.

The university’s purchasing staff strives to employ well developed business processes that provide training, information, and an established framework for conducting procurement to those who engage in delegated small purchasing. We seek to work with and communicate to the delegated purchasing community on a continuing basis to emphasize the importance of ensuring equal opportunity in procurement.

For higher-valued procurements and term contracts, Virginia Tech employs a highly trained and professional buying staff. These individuals are dedicated to ensuring broad participation and fairness as key aspects of their procurement practices.

Purchasers also make frequent use of the SWaM supplier database provided by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). The buying staff actively solicits bids, quotes, and RFPs from suppliers that have been SWaM-certified by the SBSD. The university has implemented a SWaM subcontracting plan template that identifies specific goals for prime contractor achievement in carrying out the provisions of new contracts. Prime contractors and Construction Managers are required to submit their plans for the utilization of SWaM subcontractors as part of their bid or proposal. Contractors are also required to submit periodic reports detailing expenditures with SWaM subcontractors.