EVMS strengthens ties to SWaM businesses
EVMS will again participate in SWaMfest, to be held Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
SWaMfest is Virginia’s premier networking event for Small, Women and Minority-owned Businesses (SWaM). In addition to seeing the latest products and services SWaM has to offer, the event is an opportunity for SWaM businesses to connect with more than 500 registrants from higher education institutions, prime contractors and corporations.
As part of continuing efforts to strengthen community engagement, EVMS partners with Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to reach local Small, Women and Minority-owned Businesses. SWaM contribute to local economies by providing growth, innovation and employment opportunities.
As such, EVMS also is hosting a SWaM Certification Application Info Session on Wednesday, Oct. 20. The online event will cover the state’s SWaM Program, their online application portal, the required documents to apply and how to use the certification to compete and grow sales in the Commonwealth.
Do you know a SWaM business who wants to be supply EVMS? Let them know about these events and encourage participation. EVMS seeks to buy and contract with SWaM whenever feasible.
Departments should:
- Solicit quotes from SWaM whenever they are potential sources of products or service. Find local SWaM on SBSD Directory Listing.
- Include SWaM on RFP solicitation list and evaluation criteria.
- Divide total requirement, when economically feasible, into smaller pieces so SWaM are able to handle scope of work.
- Establish delivery schedules (i.e. timing and flexibility) to encourage participation by SWaM,
Together we can strengthen our community through diversity in procurement and contracting. For questions on SWaM utilization or sourcing assistance, contact Neal Dewing, ext. 5785.