1. What are MSK’s goals for its Supplier Diversity Program?

​MSK’s Supplier Diversity Program monitors various metrics to ensure its effectiveness. These metrics include:

• Diverse spend: MSK aims to allocate 10% of its spending to diverse suppliers by 2027.
• Engagement with a diverse range of suppliers.
• Invitations to diverse suppliers for RFPs (request for proposals).
• Contracts granted to diverse suppliers.

2. What is the benefit of a Supplier Diversity Program?

We strive to ensure that our supplier base reflects the diversity of the patients we serve and the communities where we live and work. Our Supplier Diversity Program is designed to establish long-lasting relationships with diverse suppliers and to gain new perspectives and experiences that can enhance MSK’s work and mission, as well as the economic health of the communities we serve. 

Our partnerships with diverse suppliers are essential to our continued success and enable us to introduce innovation throughout our supply chain. By teaming up with businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds, we are also contributing to the economic growth of our communities.

3. Why is MSK committed to supplier diversity?

MSK is fully committed to equality and justice for everyone, with zero tolerance for racism, bigotry, or hate. Our institutional pledge includes fighting systemic racism, improving opportunities for people of color, and becoming a more inclusive and diverse organization. We extend this commitment to our engagement with suppliers through our Supplier Diversity Program, which supports diverse suppliers and benefits the communities where we operate.

4. Which certification does MSK recognize for diverse suppliers?

• U.S. Small Business Administration – 8(a) Program or HUBZone Only
• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and its regional affiliates
• National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC)
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and its regional affiliates
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
• Disability: IN
• New York State MWBE Certification
• New York State SDVOB Certification
• New York City MWBE Certification

Suppliers with certifications from other state, county, or local governmental entities will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with some restrictions.

5. How do diverse suppliers interested in doing business with MSK register with the organization?

If you are a diverse supplier who is eligible and interested in joining MSK’s supplier network, we invite you to register your company in our Supplier Diversity Portal. Our online portal allows MSK Procurement decision-makers to quickly and easily identify suppliers based on their submitted profiles when we need specific goods or services. 

Please note that submitting a prospective vendor form through MSK’s Supplier Diversity Portal does not guarantee business with MSK or ensure approved vendor status. We will only contact a supplier if their profile matches a current procurement need.

6. What happens once a supplier registers their company information in MSK’s Supplier Diversity Portal?

When registering, suppliers have an opportunity to indicate their diversity certification. When a bid opportunity arises, the information is passed on to the appropriate sourcing personnel.

7. Who should a diverse supplier contact if they have questions?

General questions about supplier diversity can be directed to: [email protected]

8. What We Buy

MSK buys a wide variety of goods and services. Please find below categories of some of the most frequent items we procure:

Information Technology (IT)

• Audio visual equipment
• Cables and adapters
• Communication devices
• Computer data input devices
• Computers, laptops, tablets
• Consulting services
• IT accessories
• IT maintenance
• IT software

Research and Laboratory

• Lab furniture
• Lab equipment
• Lab supplies

Medical/Surgical

• Medical devices
• Medical equipment
• Medical/surgical supplies

Purchased Supplies and Services

• Carpentry services and supplies
• Cleaning and maintenance supplies
• Consulting services
• Electrical services and supplies
• Exterior maintenance and landscaping services
• Furniture
• HVAC
• Legal services
• Marketing services
• Office furniture
• Office supplies
• Packaging materials
• Painting services and supplies
• Pest control
• Plumbing services and supplies
• Printing services
• Recruitment services
• Residential furniture
• Safety supplies
• Signage
• Transcription services
• Transportation services
• Tools
• Waste management services

Design and Construction

• Architectural services
• Engineering services

9. Engaging a Diverse Supplier

I’m interested in engaging a diverse supplier for an RFP (request for proposal). What steps do I need to take?

Please email [email protected] and:

• Inform the prospective supplier about MSK’s Supplier Diversity Program.
• Encourage the prospective supplier to register in MSK’s Supplier Diversity Portal.

Once the supplier is registered, a procurement professional will be able to access that information and determine if the supplier meets the requirements and needs for the product or service being requested. The procurement professional will also weigh quality and cost as part of this process.