Supplier Diversity
Our suppliers and business partners are vital to the ongoing success of our business by helping us operate in a safe, effective and efficient capacity. Southern Company Gas is committed to identifying and working with suppliers that operate in an ethical manner and add value to our business. We award business to suppliers based on a strategic process focusing on suppliers that share our core values and continually provide excellent service, quality and value to our business.
Learn more about the 2020 Nicor Gas Supplier Diversity Economic Impact Report
At Nicor Gas, we fully embrace, respect and value business diversity and understand the positive social and economic impact it has on our communities. We continue to be very intentional around building and developing relationships with diverse partners and subcontractors, and we are committed to seeking ways to turn these relationships into sustainable, meaningful business partnerships.
Supplier Registration Form
Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries do business with many contractors and suppliers. It is a fundamental policy of Southern Company Gas that such dealings shall be conducted on a fair and non-discriminatory basis, free from improper influences, so all participating contractors and suppliers may be considered on the basis of quality and overall cost of the product or service. Our policy is to seek out and obtain the best value for Southern Company Gas. Accordingly, Southern Company Gas will not recognize any oral agreements; and conversations with Southern Company Gas employees or representatives shall not be construed to imply a commitment of obligation on behalf of Southern Company Gas. Any information disclosed or made known to Southern Company Gas shall be deemed public and non-proprietary. Information shall not be received in confidence, unless a prior written agreement authorizing such exchange of information has been executed by an authorized representative of Southern Company Gas. Prior to registering, we encourage you to view the Registration Process guide. If you indicate you are a diverse organization, you will be prompted to upload the proper documentation from a recognized agency. |
Our PO Terms and Conditions can be found here:
Supplier Diversity Program
At Southern Company Gas, we believe that supplier diversity brings innovation, quality and overall competitive value to our organization. Our suppliers are important to our success, and we are committed to maintaining a Supplier Diversity Program. The Southern Company Gas Supplier Diversity program develops relationships with and increases opportunities for diverse suppliers that provide quality, competitive prices and services. We believe supplier diversity makes good business sense. Our policy is to help diverse suppliers develop their businesses to maximize their opportunities with us. All Southern Company Gas buyers are encouraged to consider direct contracts and to recommend that our prime suppliers provide subcontracting opportunities to diverse suppliers. Our Supplier Diversity program is based upon four foundational principles: Advocacy, Development, Procurement and Reporting. We are committed to advocating the use of diverse suppliers, developing our leaders and employees in their decision making as it relates to the benefits of supplier diversity, procuring goods and services through a diverse network of business partners, and reporting our progress through internal and external mechanisms to ensure our accountability is measured.
Second-Tier Program We consider second-tier supplier diversity (subcontracting) by our primary suppliers to be an important component of our Supplier Diversity Program. Southern Company Gas evaluates supplier diversity in our RFP decision matrix, and we ask that our primary suppliers participate in our Supplier Diversity Program (including reporting on supplier diversity efforts). Primary suppliers participating in the Southern Company Gas second-tier program are asked to please report their quarterly spending with diverse suppliers by completing a reporting form. Supplier Database In order for your business to be pre-approved to compete for procurement opportunities, your company’s information must be submitted online via our registration/pre-approval form. (Please note: Providing the requested information about your company does not guarantee a contract and/or procurement opportunity.) Supplier Connections |
Supplier Diversity Business Development Program (SDBDP)
Southern Company Gas recognizes the important contributions made by diverse businesses to our economy. We believe diverse businesses bring innovation, quality and overall competitive value to our organization. Because of our commitment to economic development and creating transparency we have established the Supplier Diversity Business Development Program (SDBDP). The SDBD program is guided by Supplier Diversity’s mission to facilitate business success. This program is dedicated to helping businesses reach their goals through mentoring, individualized management consultations and education/training opportunities. Through our strategic partners we will provide guidance, resources, networking, encouragement and the expertise needed to improve businesses. Our program’s aim is to enrich companies in all areas necessary to advance their business growth. By working together, we will tap the strengths of diversity and help build better businesses. Our program serves as a catalyst for business development using education, supportive networks and customized services to develop businesses. By participating in this program businesses will benefit from the knowledge, expertise and resources they will be given. To participate in Southern Company Gas Business Development Program, please complete the application and assessment form. Mentor Program If you are interested in participating in Southern Company Gas mentor program and are a minority or women-owned business, please complete the mentor program application and assessment form. |
Certification Agencies
|
Organization |
Description |
Certification |
|
US Pan Asian American 1329 18th Street, NW |
The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) is the oldest and largest national, nonprofit, non-partisan organization representing all Asian-American and Asian-American related groups in business, sciences, the arts, sports, education, public and community services. |
Yes |
|
National Minority |
Provides development, outreach and certification services to minority-owned companies. Operates via a central national organization and regional affiliates that provide additional support to its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) clients.
|
Yes Certifications are |
|
NWBOC – National Women |
The first national certifier of WBEs, provides national certification for women-owned and veteran owned companies. |
Yes |
|
Small Business |
The first national certifier of WBEs, provides national certification for women-owned and veteran owned companies. |
Yes |
|
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs |
Provides verification for businesses that are owned by veterans who have honorably served. |
Yes |
|
LGBT-Owned Business |
|
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the certifying body for LGBT business enterprises. https://www.nglcc.org |
|
Others |
Other governmental entities including but not limited to
|
Please research and |
Partnerships
Advocacy Organizations
Southern Company Gas is endeavoring to have diverse representation in all levels of procurement within our organization. One of the ways we do this is through an active advocacy effort in support of different organizations that promote the ideals of supplier diversity and development. We continue to strengthen our existing community relationships, as well as develop new partnerships to expand our reach.
FAQs
Who qualifies as a diverse supplier?
A diverse supplier is one which is certified by a third-party (see Certification Agencies) as having met the definition of being at least 51 percent owned, controlled AND operated by one or more members of a diverse group. Diverse businesses include those that are women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned or disabled-owned. HubZone, small disadvantaged and small businesses are also considered diverse businesses.
I am self-certified. Can I still register as a diverse supplier?
To be registered in the Supplier Diversity Program as a diverse supplier, your business must be certified by one of the recognized certification agencies. In circumstances where we decide to make an exception, we would provide an self-certification form and affidavit; however we strongly encourage all suppliers that want to be included in our Supplier Diversity Program to obtain third-party certification.
How can I do business with Southern Company Gas?
Southern Company Gas’ Purchasing organization is responsible for facilitating and implementing the procurement and contracting of materials, supplies, equipment, software and services. Purchasing is responsible for seeing that applicable corporate procurement, contracting guidelines, and procedures are followed throughout the company. This role includes competitive bidding, requests for proposals, conflict of interest checks, contract awards, insurance requirements, and supplier/contractor performance management. Applications from suppliers/contractors that can provide materials or services to Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries will be promptly received and given fair consideration as our needs arise.
Does Southern Company Gas have a commitment to diverse supplier communities?
Southern Company Gas purchases a large and diverse number of products and services from numerous suppliers/contractors (see Supplier Opportunities). Southern Company Gas is committed to doing business with quality suppliers/contractors that are representative of the diversity of the communities that we serve. It is also our mission to provide development, education, training and procurement and contracting opportunities for diverse businesses.
What are Southern Company Gas’ expectations of their suppliers?
Southern Company Gas requires our suppliers/contractors to follow applicable laws, meet or exceed industry standards and conduct business in an ethical manner. Each supplier/contractor may be required to provide a certificate of insurance for approval that meets specific required coverage and names Southern Company Gas as “Additional Insured.”
Does my registration guarantee that I will be selected as a supplier?
No. However it does give suppliers/contractors opportunity for consideration as business needs arise.
What are the classifications of a diverse businesses?
- Small Business: a business concern that is independently owned and operated, is organized for profit, and is not dominant in its field. Depending on the industry, size standard eligibility is based on the average number of employees for the preceding 12 months or on sales volume averaged over a three-year period. Refer to the SBA Small Business Sizing Standards.
- Woman-Owned Business is defined as a business
- that is at least 51 percent owned by a woman or women, or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more women; and
- whose daily business operations are managed and directed by one or more of the women owners. “Operate” means actively involved in the day-to-day management.
- Minority-Owned Business is defined as one
- that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more minority individuals, or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more minority individuals; and
- whose daily business operations are managed and directed by one or more minority owners. “Operate” means actively involved in the day-to-day management.
- Minorities include the groups with the following ethnic origins:
- Black or African-American
- Asian or Pacific-American (persons with origins from Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Samoa, Guam, U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands [Republic of Palau], Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Laos, Cambodia [Kampuchea], Taiwan, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Macao, Hong Kong, Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, or Nauru)
- Subcontinent Asian-American (persons with origins from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives Islands or Nepal)
- Hispanic or Latino
- Native Alaskan,
- Native American
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
- Disadvantaged Business: a business
- that is at least 51 percent owned by disadvantaged individuals, or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more disadvantaged individuals; and
- whose daily business operations are managed and directed by one or more disadvantaged owners. “Operate” means actively involved in the day-to-day management.
- Disadvantaged individuals include Black-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, and other minorities, or individuals found to be disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration pursuant to Section 8 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act.
- Veteran Owned Business is a business
- that is at least 51 percent owned by a veteran with honorable service affirmed by the Veterans Administration (VA) or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more veterans with honorable service affirmed by the VA; and
- whose daily business operations are managed and directed by one or more service-disabled veterans with honorable service affirmed by the VA. “Operate” means actively involved in the day-to-day management.
- Service-Disabled Veteran Business is a business
- that is at least 51 percent owned by a service-disabled veteran with honorable service affirmed by the VA or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans with honorable service affirmed by the VA; and
- whose daily business operations are managed and directed by one or more service-disabled veterans with honorable service affirmed by the VA. “Operate” means actively involved in the day to day management.
- Disabled-Owned is a business that is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a person or group of persons who meet the state’s definition of a legally disabled person in which the business is headquartered.
- HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) is defined asa small business by Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards. Its principal office must be located within a HUBZone, which includes lands on federally recognized Indian reservations; it must be owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens; and at least 35 percent of its employees must reside in a HUBZone. To find out if you are in a HUBZONE, please visit the Small Business Administration Web site.
For more information, please e-mail questions or comments to Supplier Diversity Supplier_Diversity@southernco.com.
