The United States government spends more than $600 billion on goods and services sourced from third-party suppliers. As the largest consumer in the world, the U.S government issues thousands of contracts to companies. With that opportunity comes the responsibility to distribute contract dollars equitably, across a wide range of business classifications and avoid providing an advantage to one type of business. Supplier diversity involves the policies, procedures, and programs that support equitable inclusion of small and/or diverse organizations in access and receipt of vendor contracts. In this episode, the host of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast sit down with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist Jaime Coleman to advise small business on how to bid for a government contract and to examine how governments are performing on their equity in procurement/supplier diversity goals. 

Jaime Coleman most recently served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategist for a midsize city in North Carolina. As a one-person department, Jaime ideated and led all internal DEI learning & development and its corresponding compliance, reviewed and revised policies, engaged with stakeholders to establish trust with the municipality, represented the organization at various community and cultural events, and facilitated relationships between internal departments and historically underutilized businesses (HUB).

Jaime’s career started in Higher Education. Priding herself on being well-read and well-researched, Jaime believes that knowledge, open-mindedness, and understanding are essential tools to address many social ills. With years of experience as an Adjunct, she uses her facilitation skills to deliver interactive workshops that create openness, and equip and inspire the audience to take meaningful action. Jaime is a passionate advocate for people. She understands the importance of internal culture and its impact on external constituents.

Personally, Jaime cherishes time with her husband and children. Jaime is an avid reader, a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, and a seasoned traveler. Jaime earned her MBA from Georgetown University, holds a Master's from NYU, and her Bachelor's is from Rutgers University. Jaime appreciates invitations to contribute and promises to deliver.

Share these insights from this episode: 

1. The United States federal government has procurement targets for each business classification for every department. 
2. The local chamber of commerce, economic development department, small business resource center, and community college are excellent resources for small businesses. 
3. Jaime Coleman shares a five-step process for small businesses to earn contracts with local, state, and federal governments.

Resources:

New Jersey Disparity Study: A Study on the Availability and Utilization of Small, Minority, Women, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses

Massachusetts Performance Audit

NC MWBE Coordinators Network

FAA DBE Program

Equity in Federal Government Procurement Literature Review