Our Supplier Diversity Program

College Board strives to develop and expand relationships with diverse enterprises. Our supplier diversity program ensures that all suppliers have equal opportunity to participate in our procurement and bidding process.

What is a Diverse Supplier?

College Board follows definitions for diverse suppliers created by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Examples of diverse suppliers include:

• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
• Small Business (SB)
• Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

College Board also wants to capture data from large businesses.

How do I Certify as a Diverse Supplier?

Certification is not a condition of doing business with College Board. A minority, women, or small business owner does not have to be certified to do business with College Board. However, firms must be certified to receive assistance, referrals, or to be recognized as part of College Board's supplier diversity program. Being certified also increases opportunities to do business with us as we actively seek to increase business for certified diverse suppliers.

College Board does not certify suppliers. Agencies through which suppliers can obtain small business certifications include:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and regional affiliates
• Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Small Business Administration (SBA)

What Are the Subcontracting Reporting Requirements?

To meet federal government requirements, College Board reports subcontracting (Tier II) spending with diverse business enterprises. Tier II spending consists of payments made to small or diverse-owned businesses for the purchase of goods and services used directly or indirectly in support of the College Board.

How Tier II Spend Reporting Works

College Board expects its prime suppliers to honor their commitment to diversity by actively including certified diverse suppliers as Tier II vendors. However, we do not dictate which companies prime suppliers use. If you are a prime supplier to College Board, follow the process below so that your business will be considered as supporting the College Board’s supplier diversity program.

• Tier I suppliers complete the Tier II spend report quarterly (see Resources below). To submit the report, please log in to supplier registration portal. (Suppliers must report their Tier II spend by the 10th of the month following each calendar quarter.)
• College Board compiles the Tier II data.
• College Board will track Tier II spend by supplier and report annually.

Know Our Definition of Business Sizes

To determine whether your company is a large or small business, find your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Then refer to the industry size standards published by the Small Business Administration. If you need further assistance, call 1 800 U ASK-SBA or refer to SBA’s website at www.sba.gov.

Definitions of Small Businesses

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
At least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Indian Americans, Asian Indian Americans or Asian Pacific Americans. Acceptable certifications are provided by the National Minority Supplier Development Council and by Federal, State and Local Governments.

Small Business (SB)
Independently owned and operated and not dominant in its field of operation. The size will vary from industry to industry and is defined by the Small Business Administration.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
At least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
At least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. Acceptable certifications are provided by the Women Business Enterprise National Council, the National Women Business Owners Corporation and by Federal, State and Local Governments.