PSU strongly supports federal, state, and local efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity. In its efforts to encourage economic growth and development, PSU is continuously improving relationships with Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Businesses (MWESB) vendors and increasing contracting efforts with these firms.
PSU's online vendor setup and maintenance platform, PaymentWorks@PSU, gives PSU the ability to track its utilization of MWESB firms for goods and services. It allows PSU to identify areas where increased engagement with MWESB vendors is needed. PaymentWorks@PSU makes it easier for vendors who are certified by the State of Oregon or who are self-reporting to identify as MWESB vendors.
PSU implemented a Central Amazon Business Prime Account which utilizes Amazon's Diverse Sellers' Program. Within that account, PSU is able to identify the vendor diversity certifications we want to be included in our setup. Amazon then identifies and includes vendors with the required certifications in our profile. PSU staff is then guided to certified vendors who sell the products they want to purchase.
PSU includes aspirational MWESB utilization goals in construction-related contractor and consultant solicitations via an exhibit titled "Diversity Matrix".
PSU supports MWESB firms through its membership in the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs and their work on the Safe From Hate Alliance sub-committees.
A list of certified MWESB vendors can be found on the Business Oregon website under the Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity.