Diversity2024-01-11T11:17:18-04:00

Diversity and Inclusion

PhilaPort has always been committed to diversity in the awarding of contracts. It’s very important to us that minority-owned, women-owned and other historically underutilized businesses have a fair seat at the table. We’re currently developing a comprehensive diversity outreach program to intensify our commitment. We want to expand the array of major contractors PhilaPort engages, and we want our major contractors to be aware of the vast network of subcontractors at their disposal.

PhilaPort’s Diversity Program has been recognized by the Philadelphia City Council for being the first in Philadelphia to include the LGBT category in its diversity program. These businesses are certified by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

Check this area of our website on a regular basis for updates on our outreach program.

To view current projects, please visit our Procurement page.

Overview

It is our to promote opportunities for full participation by Minority-owned, Women-owned, Veteran-owned or Service-Disabled-Veteran-owned and LGBT-owned small businesses, hereafter collectively referred to as disadvantaged business enterprises (“DBEs”) in all project-related construction contracts to the greatest extent feasible and to do so by insuring that all Prime Contractors do not discriminate in the solicitation, award and administration of construction subcontracts on PhilaPort’s projects.

Categorical Breakdown

  • 20% must be drawn from at least two of the categories listed below, with no less than five percent being devoted respectively:
    1. Minority
    2. Women
    3. Veteran and Service Disabled
    4. LGBT

Certification Resources

PhilaPort has provided information regarding acceptable certification resources that could be of use to your business. Follow the link below to find our list of acceptable DGS certifications as well as information regarding process of becoming certified through DGS:

PhilaPort will accept all diversity certifications which are accepted by the PA Department of General Services provided they fit into the following pool of inclusion; Minority, Women, Veteran, Service-Disabled Veteran, and LGBT.

The Department of General Services accepts approved third-party certifications from any of the following entities:

 

 

Are you a vendor certified in the following categories?

•  Minority
•  Women
•  Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran
•  LGBT

Email procurement@philaport.com to get on our vendor list today!

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Can certification as a Prime contractor count towards diversity participation?

 A. A Prime contractor’s certification cannot count towards diversity inclusion, please see link below outlining the requirements of our diversity inclusion plan.

See page 6 of our Diversity Inclusion Plan (Construction) for more information.

Q. What happens if the bidder cannot meet the requirements for Minimum Levels of Participation (MPL’s)?

 A. The bidder must still complete and return Exhibit 1 at the time of bid. As per PhilaPort’s diversity policy, those bidding on PhilaPort-issued projects must submit documentation providing an explanation for failure to achieve minimum levels of participation (MPL’s). This documentation must demonstrate that the bidder has not engaged in discriminatory practices and may include a description of any barriers or impediments encountered despite the actions taken

Q. What is the process of gaining certification as a diverse business enterprise and what certifications are required to be considered a suitable DBE that meets the standards of the PhilaPort policy?

  A. Please see the following links for certification information:

The Unified Certification Program (UCP)*
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(A) Business Development Program*
The Vets First Verification Program

 

 

Click to open toggles for more information on topics above.

To learn more about PhilaPort’s Procurement opportunities, click here.

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