Supplier Diversity

We promote diversity among our suppliers because they bring new ideas, offer innovative products and processes, and contribute to the economic strength of their communities on a global basis. Our diversity policy cornerstone is the respect for the broad spectrum of diversity within our workforce, suppliers, and customer base. 

A solid Supplier Diversity program provides a competitive advantage to Air Products and supports our corporate responsibility to the many communities we are part of. Air Products has a global reach, thus we depend on our people, suppliers, and customers to maximize competitiveness, growth, technology innovation, customer satisfaction, and shareholder wealth. 

Supplier Diversity is mandatory for fulfilling contracts with the U.S. Government. In the U.S., the major categories of diversity spend are small business, woman owned, minority owned, and small disadvantaged businesses. Air Products maintains Supplier Diversity programs in the United States.

Our intent is to develop mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers by utilizing these companies as primary contracts and subcontractors. We encourage our primary contractors to use diverse subcontractors to further reinforce our commitment to excellence.

Supplier Qualifications

Air Products seeks the best quality, value, and service, at the best cost from all of our suppliers. Our Global Procurement Team is chartered to select suppliers that deliver the best overall value. Here are some of the qualities that Air Products is looking for in our suppliers:

• Cost competitiveness from a pricing perspective
• Technological innovation
• Proven track record and references
• Solid financial standing
• Ability to conduct electronic business via e-connections on the Internet
• Reliable source of supply
• Continuous and proactive support of both products and services

For U.S. suppliers, Air Products prefers diverse supplier certification by a third party such as:

• Small Business (SB)
• Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) (Certified and verified in SAM.gov - System for Award Management)
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
• Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
• Disable Veteran owned Small Business (DVOSB)
• HUBZone Small Business (Certified and verified in SAM.gov - System for Award Management)
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Owned Small Business (Certified and verified in SAM.gov - System for Award Management)
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT)

U.S. Diverse Supplier Definitions

Small Business Concern (SB) 
A small business as defined pursuant to Section 3 of the Small Business Act and relevant regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Generally, this means a small business concern organized for profit, which is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operations in which it is bidding, and meets the size standards as prescribed in Government regulations.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
A small business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
A small business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, or in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more women; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
"Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)" is a business not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and (b) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by or more veterans. VETERAN—The term "veteran" has the meaning defined in 38 U.S.C. 101

Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVOSB)
"Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVOSB)" is a business not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more disabled veterans; and (b) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more disabled veterans. VETERAN—The term "veteran" has the meaning defined in 38 U.S.C. 101.

HUBZone Small Business Concern (HUBZone)
This program is based on the geographical area where your business is located and where 35 percent of your employees reside. The company must be small, located in a HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone), owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens, and at least 35 percent of its employees reside in a HUBZone.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
A U.S. based business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by minorities, or in the case of any publicly-owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more minorities; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the minority individuals who own it. Minority persons include African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Pacific Americans, Asian-Indian Americans, and Native Americans.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT)
A U.S. Based business where the Majority (at least 51%) owned, operated, managed and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The business exercises independence from any non -LGBT business enterprise. Its principal place of business (headquarters) is in the United States and has been formed as a legal entity in the United States.

Certification Process (U.S. Based)

Steps:

1. The Air Products buyer or commodity manager determines there is a match between your company’s capability and Air Products need.
2. Air Products will submit forms for the vendor to fill out.
3. Vendor fills out forms as required and returns to the instructed address.
4. Air Products will set-up vendor in its database and notify supplier.

Air Products is a Government contractor and therefore has a Corporate Policy on purchasing from small business, small disadvantaged business and women-owned business concerns in compliance with the policy of the United States Government Public Law 95-507 and FAR 52.219. To that end we need your supplier classification information to ensure compliance.

SBA certification is required where indicated and the only acceptable form is registration through the SBA. Certification is documented on SBA.gov - System for Award Management database. Please print your certification and return it with the completed form to:

Air Products
ATTN: Supplier Diversity A42L4
7201 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18195

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) certification information and instructions are on the SBA’s web site www.sba.gov/. You may also contact your local SBA district office or the SBA Office of Certification and Eligibility.

Certification documents from the following agencies are acceptable:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• City, State, or Federal Certification Agencies
• National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

Other good sources of information:

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• Minority Business Development Agency
• National Veteran Owned Business Association