NGLCC Board Approved Policy for Strategic Partnerships to Expand Contracting Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses and Allied and Interested SMEs

Purpose:

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is committed to fostering economic empowerment for LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses. Through partnerships with public and private sector entities, NGLCC seeks to ensure access and opportunities for these businesses to compete for contracts based on quality, competitive pricing, and merit.

Policy Statement:

NGLCC is dedicated to creating fair and transparent pathways for LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses to participate in contracting opportunities. Our approach ensures that these businesses are able to be found and compete in procurement processes without requiring restrictive or exclusive measures that limit competition. Instead, we prioritize initiatives that allow these businesses to demonstrate their value and capabilities on equal footing and win the business based on the quality, competitiveness and merit of their product or service.

1. LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses and Other Allied and Interested Small Businesses Are Visible and Accessible: 
– Facilitate the inclusion of LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses in supplier networks, ensuring they are visible to public and private sector procurement teams.
– Promote matchmaking opportunities and resources to connect businesses with potential contracting opportunities.

2. Opportunities Are Equitable and Merit-Based:
– Work with partners to ensure LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses have access to competitive opportunities where contracts are awarded based on quality, pricing, and overall value.
– Avoid reliance on programs that mandate exclusive or non-competitive participation for any group, focusing instead on fostering fair access for all businesses.

3. Supports Supplier Competitiveness:
– Provide training, mentorship, and technical assistance to help LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses enhance their capabilities and successfully compete for contracts.

Additional Policy Guidelines:

4. Develop and Maintain Impactful Partnerships:
– Collaborate with organizations to integrate LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses into their procurement frameworks while upholding principles of competitive, merit-based contracting.

5. Facilitate Access to Opportunities:
– Organize supplier diversity expos, matchmaking events, and other initiatives that connect LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses with procurement teams.

6. Promotes Equitable Practices:
– Encourage public and private sector partners to adopt policies that promote supplier inclusion while maintaining competitive standards in the contracting process.

NGLCC believes in a competitive procurement process where all businesses are evaluated on their ability to deliver value. Our partnerships are designed to promote opportunity while upholding the principles of transparency, fairness, and competition. We do not advocate for measures that restrict competition or guarantee participation based on certification alone. Instead, we strive to create environments where LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses can compete and succeed based on their merits.

Conclusion:

This policy reflects NGLCC’s commitment to building equitable, merit-based opportunities for LGBTQ+ owned businesses and other allied and interested small businesses while collaborating with stakeholders to promote economic opportunity for all of America’s small businesses. By fostering fair competition and providing resources to enhance supplier readiness, NGLCC ensures these businesses thrive in competitive markets.