The Cincinnati Public School District Supplier Diversity Advisory Council was formed during March 2002. Council members come from diverse business and community backgrounds and provide value added input that allows for the Manger of Supplier Diversity to develop and implement effective procedures that will enhance the overall delivery and success of the CPS Supplier Diversity Program and the Supplier Diversity Initiatives. 

Since March 2002, council members have continued to help identify obstacles to the successful inclusion of Small, Minority and Women-Owned businesses that want to participate in contracting opportunities and provide goods, professional, non-professional and contractor services for the district.

During August 2003, the council was reorganized and four Advisory Procurement Committees were formed. In 2004, two of the committees merged. These three committees meet monthly and are aligned with the comprehensive economic disparity study procurement categories. Meeting attendees are primarily small business owners who discuss their personal obstacles to doing business with CPS. 

These forums allows for attendees to hear from CPS administrators and buyers about contract opportunities, facilitate networking/collaboration/partnering and provides for an overall environment that facilitates learning more about CPS bid procedures and criteria utilized for bid awards.

We feel it is important for vendors and contractors to understand how we assess and process bid proposals. Also, we want vendors and contractors to know how to utilize the CPS Web site to help them prepare better proposals.

Pamela Mullins
Manager, Supplier Diversity

For more information, contact CPS Manager, Supplier Diversity Pamela Mullins at 513-363-0476 or Beverly Holland, Supplier Diversity Senior Support Specialist at 513-363-0474.