What kinds of MWDVBE businesses and services does Qwest seek?
Minority, woman and disabled veteran-owned firms work with virtually all areas of Qwest, including: Audio/video conferencing, building services, copper cable construction, installation and maintenance, copy and reproduction services, fleet purchases and maintenance, PC suppliers, software and data solutions, benefits auditing, leased labor services, etc. We contract work in more than 200 different Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
What happens after my company registers with the Supplier Diversity Organization?
If there are any potential opportunities for your business, your data will be entered into our MWDVBE directory database. However, this is not a guarantee of contract award.
Who can potential new suppliers talk to?
Call our Supplier Diversity Hotline on 303-224-1025 for information or to request that our Supplier Relations Manager contact you.
Does Qwest certify MWDVBEs?
Qwest does not provide MWDVBE certification. We recognize firms that have been certified with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council, the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program, Association of Disabled Veterans or other approved government agencies. Companies that do not have certification can refer to Qwest MWDVBE Credential Verification and MWDVBE Definitions for more detailed information.
Does Qwest guarantee work for MWDVBEs?
No. However, we are committed to finding opportunities for minority, woman and disabled veteran-owned firms and increasing their participation in our business. For more information, see the Business Opportunities listings.
Does Qwest require prime contractors to use specific MWDVBE subcontractors?
No. Our contracts include MWDVBE requirements and incentives, however we do not dictate which companies prime suppliers use as MWDVBE subcontractors. However, Qwest requires our prime contractors, by contract, to submit a plan detailing how they will subcontract an agreed upon percentage of their work to minority, woman and disabled veteran-owned firms. We also monitor MWDVBE participation as part of a supplier's overall performance.
What is the Supplier Diversity Organization? And how can it help me?
Qwest's Supplier Diversity Team works with minority, woman and disabled veteran-owned firms to match qualified and certified suppliers with the business needs of Qwest.
To ensure continued growth of MWDVBE opportunities, our Supplier Diversity Organization focuses on:
- Using MWDVBE firms as primary contractors as well as subcontractors.
- Encouraging our primary contractors to use MWDVBEs as subcontractors.
- Assisting MWDVBEs in forming creative alliances that result in their doing business with us.
Is MWDVBE a government mandated program like Affirmative Action? Does it take business away from majority-owned businesses?
No and no. We are not required by law or our business charter to actively seek opportunities for minority, woman and disabled veteran-owned firms. It is just smart business. Our contractors and subcontractors are competitive and efficient companies that offer the best product, price or service. We have found that MWDVBE companies are creative, innovative, growing and vital to the regional and national economy.
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