Supplier Engagement
Procurement Services supports a robust supplier ecosystem within VCU’s supply chain by encouraging the use of Virginia‑certified firms for the purchase of goods and services in the local economy.
Several certified vendor eCatalogs are available for use and provide many of the most commonly purchased goods including office supplies, laboratory and research equipment, and software products. Departments can visit the Vendor eCatalog Showcase on RealSource to find all available certified vendor eCatalogs.
VCU Procurement maintains a searchable database of businesses certified by the State’s Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). Users can search these suppliers by the commodities and services they provide at the Certified Vendor Link https://procurement.vcu.edu/our-services/supplier-diversity/certified-vendors-search/ or by using the link below.
VCU Procurement Services participates in trade fairs, VASCUPP’s annual vendor exposition, and other events designed to build business relationships between governmental agencies/institutions and potential suppliers. VCU meets with representatives of state‑certified firms to encourage them to complete DSBSD certification and to explain VCU and VASCUPP procurement policies and procedures.
The VCU Supplier Relations team, together with senior university leadership and the Director of Procurement Services, annually establishes spending goals with Virginia‑certified small businesses and reports performance to DSBSD and the Board of Visitors. These goals are expressed as a percentage of overall discretionary spend and reflect the Commonwealth’s target for participation by certified small businesses (currently 42%).
For information about supplier engagement at VCU, advice for vendors, or questions about doing business with VCU, please reach out to the Office of Procurement Services Supplier Relations Team:
Cornelius Hunt, MBA, VCCO
Supplier Relations Coordinator
chunt3@vcu.edu
804-828-0663
The Virginia College and University Purchasing Professionals (VASCUPP) works to identify opportunities for cooperative procurements and cost savings for higher education institutions in Virginia. VASCUPP collaborates on cooperative procurements, procurement practice, and source selection, which ultimately allow for savings through leveraged spend and reduced administrative effort. learn more at vascupp.org
Related documents
VCU Fiscal year 2026 SWaM Goals and Strategic Plan
Related policies
Office of the Governor Executive Order Number Thirty-Five »
Related organizations