Freqently Asked Questions
Mission Statement
It is the policy of the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. to foster
the productivity and economic growth of small, disabled, veteran,
women and minority-owned businesses. Through outreach efforts,
BNA provides fair and equal procurement opportunities for all
capable competitive suppliers and vendors. By engaging supplier
diversity as a value added strategy, BNA expands business and
obtains quality products and services while ensuring that our
suppliers adequately reflect our customer base.
Products and Services
BNA seeks small and minority-owned businesses that can provide
the following products and services:
- Editorial services (legal research and writing, copy editing,
journalism)
- Information Technology
- Data processing
- Computer software
- Printing, binding and mailing
- Delivery Services
- Advertising/Graphic design
- Equipment (PC’s, Laptops)
- Phone service
- Office Supplies
- Furniture
- Staffing
- Looseleaf binders/Tab Set
- Printing
Requirements
BNA considers the following factors in awarding contracts to
prospective suppliers and vendors:
- High quality products and services –
The quality of products and services is paramount to BNA. BNA
expects vendors and suppliers to deliver the same or better
quality of products and services than BNA extends to our own
customers.
- Cost-efficient – BNA appreciates cost
cutting measures used by prospective suppliers and vendors that
does not compromise the quality of the product or the level
of customer service.
- Quality customer service – BNA considers
quality customer service of vital importance. BNA expects vendors
and suppliers to deliver the same or better customer service
than BNA extends to our own customers.
Third Party Certification
Although third party certification is not required to participate
in BNA’s Supplier Diversity Program, small and minority-owned
businesses are encouraged to obtain certifications from the following
agencies:
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or
its affiliates
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
- Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC)
- United States Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)
- City, State, or Federal Certification Agencies
Application/Selection Process
As the leading publisher of print and electronic news, BNA has
numerous contracting and subcontracting opportunities for small
and minority-owned businesses. BNA utilizes the following process
in identifying and selecting small and minority suppliers and
vendors:
- Completing the application: In order to be
considered in the procurement process, suppliers should complete
and submit the Supplier
Registration Application. This will provide BNA with the
basic information about your company so that your information
can be logged and maintained in an internal database.
- Review: The Supplier Diversity Group will
review all applications. In the event there is an existing need
for your products or services, you may be contacted by the BNA
purchaser.
- Confirmation e-mail: Once the application
has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
- Vendor Supplier Database: If there is no
current need for your products or services, your information
will be logged and maintained in the internal database that
is accessible to potential BNA purchasers. While inclusion in
the database does not guarantee that a contract will be awarded,
BNA purchasers are encouraged to include companies listed in
the database in the procurement process if they meet the requirements.
The information will be maintained in the database for one year.
The supplier is responsible for updating the information and
notifying BNA if they would like to be included in the database
for the subsequent year.
- Contact: For further information regarding
BNA’s Supplier Diversity Program, contact Demedre Heulett,
EEO/Diversity Manager via e-mail at dheulett@bna.com
or at (703) 341-2005.