Mission and Vision Statements

Harvard University Strategic Procurement seeks to foster a purchasing climate in which diverse and small vendors are encouraged to compete for University business. We strive to reduce potential barriers for their participation in University purchasing activities and are committed to developing and sustaining relationships with a diverse group of vendors. This commitment is essential for fostering inclusive procurement and promoting local economic growth. Through this approach, our buyers will have access to the best value in goods and services purchased on behalf of the University.

We are committed to increase business opportunities for diverse vendors in Harvard University’s purchasing process by:

  • Promoting inclusive procurement across schools and business units;
  • Informing our schools and business units about the benefits of inclusive procurement, and sharing best practices;
  • Educating vendors about the Harvard environment and how to conduct  business at the University;
  • Establishing processes to help purchasing community identify diverse and small vendors  that are “ready, willing and able” to conduct business with Harvard University;
  • Encouraging our preferred vendors to develop a Tier 2 Supplier Diversity program;
  • Increasing awareness around regulatory mandates that focus on supplier diversity;
  • Providing opportunities for diverse vendors and members of the Harvard purchasing community to meet and build relationships;
  • Establishing reporting and monitoring capabilities to track against targets;
  • Identifying high probability sourcing opportunities and prequalifying diverse businesses for inclusion in the bid process, and;
  • Representing Harvard in the business community.