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Supplier Diversity Program

Objectives

• To provide opportunities for competitive and qualified minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in Nicor Gas' purchasing and contracting activities on a competitive bidding basis.
• To promote representation of diverse suppliers on qualified and preferred supplier lists for materials and services purchased by Nicor Gas.
• To cultivate an atmosphere of commitment toward the continual development of our qualified diverse suppliers.

Second Tier Program

At Nicor Gas, we encourage our primary suppliers to use diverse suppliers in the work they do for us. These "second tier" relationships bolster our supplier diversity program and strengthen our commitment to the communities we serve. We believe that our business relationships extend beyond our primary suppliers, and we recognize the added value these second-tier relationships contribute to our overall business goals.

Diverse Supplier Criteria

To be recognized as a diverse business by Nicor Gas, vendors must possess current certification from a third-party organization such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

What are the criteria for classification as a Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)?

• At least 51% ownership by a U.S. citizen(s)
• Owner(s) is directly involved in daily business operations
• Owner(s) is a member of either of the following ethnic groups:
  • African American
  • Asian-Indian American
  • Asian-Pacific American
  • Hispanic American
  • Native American

What are the criteria for classification as a Women Owned Business (WBE)?

• At least 51% ownership by a U.S. citizen(s)
• Owner(s) is directly involved in daily business operations
• Owner(s) is a woman

What are the criteria for classification as a U.S. Veteran Owned Business (VBE)?

• At least 51% owned by U.S. Veteran(s)
• Owner(s) is directly involved in daily business operations
• Proof of military service from the U.S. Veterans Administration