Gordon-Darby Supplier Diversity Policy

Gordon-Darby, Inc. (Gordon-Darby) strongly believes that promoting diversity strengthens our entire company. As part of Gordon-Darby’s commitment, we acknowledge the significance of maintaining a diverse supplier base and recognize the importance of Diverse Suppliers (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprises; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender Business Enterprises and Disabled Owned Business Enterprises) to the economy, the communities they serve, as well as the company. Gordon-Darby’s Supplier Diversity Objectives are as follows:

• To actively and routinely source qualified Diverse Suppliers that can provide competitive and high-quality products and services to the company.

• To encourage the company’s major suppliers that do not qualify as Diverse Suppliers to commit to and support their own supplier diversity initiatives.

Gordon-Darby’s Supplier Diversity Program will be administered and managed by Gordon-Darby’s Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management & Deployment Group (Purchasing Group). Our leadership and employees are committed to adopting procurement processes and practices that will enhance opportunities for Diverse Suppliers.

Supplier Diversity Guidelines

1. Gordon-Darby recognizes that there are many advantages to maintaining competition in supplier industries, in the establishment of alternate sources, and in dealing with Diverse Suppliers. Accordingly, Gordon-Darby encourages the development of mutually beneficial business relationships with Diverse Suppliers.
2. Gordon-Darby is committed to increasing the commercial opportunities for Diverse Suppliers. All company employees involved in the selection, evaluation or approval of suppliers and contractors share the responsibility for administering the policy.
3. Gordon-Darby’s Purchasing Group is committed to supporting the company’s overall diversity strategy and objectives.
4. Gordon-Darby, when soliciting bids for opportunities to supply it with goods and services, will request a copy of the bidder's supplier diversity policy statement and request information as to the bidder’s own initiatives to promote supplier diversity and compliance.
5. Gordon-Darby's commitment to Supplier Diversity is not philanthropic, nor does it contradict the application of existing purchasing goals, policies, and procedures. The award of opportunities to Diverse Suppliers will be based on their relative competitiveness, the value of their offerings, and their demonstrated performance. No minimal thresholds or targets have been established under these guidelines.
6. To be characterized as a Diverse Supplier, a business must be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by member(s) from one of the following groups and be a U.S. citizen:
   
   • Minority-Owned Business Concern (MBE): African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent.
   • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender-Owned Business Concern (LGBTBE).
   • Women-Owned Small Business Concern (WBE)
   • Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise (DBE)
     
     
7. To ensure that our purchasing opportunities reach all eligible diverse business enterprises, Gordon-Darby will, as appropriate, request third-party certification from one or more of the following organizations and councils and require that bidders incorporate the requirements of 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-1.4(a)(7), 60-250.5(d) and 60-741.5(d), if applicable:

• • Certification from city, state, or federal agencies.
  • Affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
  • Affiliates of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
  • Affiliates of the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative.
  • Affiliates of the USBLN Diversity Disability Supplier Program.
  • National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)