Washington Gas’ Local Supply Chain Impact

Washington Gas is committed to building strong and resilient supplier network that creates mutually beneficial relationships and contributes to a positive impact within the communities we serve. 

Our Local Supply Chain Impact Program is a proactive business initiative designed to provide equitable opportunities for qualified local suppliers capable of delivering safe, high-quality products and services at competitive prices. The program focuses on strengthening partnerships, expanding participation, and ensuring that our supplier base reflects the communities in which we operate.  


Washington Gas remains dedicated to maintaining a robust program that encourages supplier growth, fosters long-term collaboration, and supports economic development. We are actively engaging vendors and aligning their services with our business needs. This commitment reflects our values accountability, and community partnership—creating benefits for our customers, communities, and employees alike.

Supplier Engagement & Initiatives

Our Local Supply Chain Impact Program plays a vital role in strengthening Washington Gas’ commitment to excellence for our customers, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. We have developed a series of initiatives to expand opportunities for qualified local suppliers, helping them grow, build capacity, and enhance their participation in our supply chain.

Program Initiatives Include:

• Strive for 35 Initiative 
• Strive for 35 Fund  
• Tier 2 Subcontracting Program  
• Supplier Diversity Recognition 

Strive for 35 Initiatives:

Washington Gas is committed to maximizing opportunities for local businesses by offering education, building connections, and supporting access to resources that promote growth. Through this initiative, we also encourage our partners to expand opportunities in their own supply chains.

Washington Gas launched the Strive for 35 campaign, which actively engages external vendors as well as our employees to support increased supplier participation.

Suppliers are encouraged to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Public Service Commission of Maryland for additional details on this commitment. Our ongoing focus is to provide meaningful opportunities for suppliers to participate in our procurement process as both prime contractors and subcontractors.

Strive for 35 Fund:

In collaboration with our parent company, AltaGas, Washington Gas have introduced the Strive for 35 Fund, a $100,000 annual contribution over five years, totaling $500,000. The fund is administered through our strategic partner, Prince George's Financial Services Corporation First (FSC First), which provides lending opportunities to Maryland-based suppliers interested in working in the natural gas industry. By addressing the barrier of securing working capital, we aim to foster greater participation from suppliers. 

In addition, interested applicants will be invited to attend training on how to complete an application and provided hands on assistance. 

To apply or learn more about the program, please contact Steward Smith from FSC First at jsmith@fscfirst.com or visit their website at www.fscfirst.com

Tier 2 Subcontracting Program:

Washington Gas encourages our partners to build and sustain relationships with qualified local businesses. We recognize the importance of offering guidance, resources, and strategies to help these suppliers grow and succeed. As a company, we actively promote these efforts through collaborative initiatives that strengthen an equitable and welcoming business environment.

Our subcontracting program is designed to encourage prime contractors to engage with and retain certified small or local enterprises. Washington Gas incorporates universal sourcing into our procurement process, providing guidance to ensure that prime contractors are aligned with program objectives. Suppliers interested in becoming certified can review our list of recognized certifying agencies.

Through these efforts, Washington Gas helps generate economic growth and job creation within the communities we serve. By tracking subcontracting activity, we can measure the positive economic impact and demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting a strong, accessible supplier network.

To learn more information about the program, please contact Delan Johnson at delan.johnson@washgas.com

Below are a few examples of certifying agencies that are recognized by Washington Gas. 

• Department of Small and Local Business Development 
• Maryland Department of Transportation
• Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity 

Local Supply Chain Impact Program Economic Impact:

Our Supply Chain Program is designed to strengthen relationships with regional suppliers and create opportunities that build lasting economic impact in the communities we serve. By partnering with companies that actively invest in local businesses, we help ensure that more dollars stay within the region—supporting small, mid-sized and large enterprises, generating valuable jobs, and contributing to local tax growth. These partnerships not only strengthen our supplier network but also foster a sustainable business ecosystem that benefits our customers, our communities, and our economy as a whole.

 

If you interested in registering in our portal, please click on the link. This portal serves as a central hub for all our suppliers, enabling us to efficiently manage our partnerships and streamline communication. Registering in the portal will ensure that we can stay connected and explore potential opportunities together. While registering, feel free to upload your capability statements, certifications and or licenses that are applicable to the products and services provided by your company. 

Self-Certification

The Local Supply Chain Impact Program also recognizes self-certified firms and those seeking certification. If your firm is self-certified or interested in becoming certified, you can register by clicking on this link.

Supplier's Essentials

This information will be kept on file and Washington Gas will evaluate the eligibility of your company for future sourcing opportunitiesThis information will be kept on file and Washington Gas will evaluate the eligibility of your company for future sourcing opportunities

Supplier's Helpful Hints

• Adequate financial resources to perform the contract
• Ability to complete the contract work on time, within the established budget and in a satisfactory manner
• Facilities and equipment necessary for production and construction or the ability to obtain them
• Organizational experience, accounting, operational controls and technical skills
• Ability to obtain required licenses and permits prior to the beginning of the contract
• Ability to comply with all Washington Gas standards, procedures, policies, manuals and requirements

Below is a list of major categories (but not limited to) of spend at Washington Gas:

• Advertising and marketing services
• Automotive vehicles and accessories
• Building and cleaning services and supplies
• Construction equipment and supplies
• Electronic equipment
• Engineering services
• Hand tools
• Human Resources' services
• Machinery and shop equipment
• Natural gas
• Office supplies and equipment
• Paving services
• Printing services
• Power operated tools
• Security services
• Underground pipeline contractors 

All prospective vendors are expected to provide the following:

• Ability to obtain required licenses and permits prior to the beginning of the contract
• Ability to comply with all Washington Gas standards, procedures, policies, manuals and requirements
• Adequate financial resources to perform the contract
• Ability to complete the contract work on time, within the established budget and in a satisfactory manner
• Facilities and equipment necessary for production and construction or the ability to obtain them
• Organizational experience, accounting, operational controls and technical skills

 

Washington Gas is committed to creating opportunities for learning, awareness, and growth across our supply chain. We believe that education is key to helping suppliers understand our processes, while also ensuring our employees and partners are equipped to support and engage with businesses in meaningful ways.

Some of the steps we take include:

• Hosting training sessions and workshops for employees to highlight the value of working with suppliers and to integrate open practices into daily operations.
• Organizing webinars and online seminars to share information, resources, and guidance with suppliers who want to do business with Washington Gas.
• Participating in regional business development events, trade fairs, and conferences to connect with suppliers, raise awareness about available opportunities, and build stronger community partnerships.

By investing in education, Washington Gas helps bridge the gap between suppliers and opportunities, supporting the growth of local businesses while strengthening the communities we serve.

For suppliers who did not win a bid, we offer the opportunity to request a debriefing session upon their request. To schedule an appointment, suppliers must send an email to the designated Point of Contact (POC) listed on the solicitation.

TO CONTACT US

For more information about our Local Supply Chain Program, please contact:
Washington Gas
Attention: Local Supply Chain Impact Program
6801 Industrial Road
Springfield, VA 22151

Email: supplierdiversity@washgas.com

PROCUREMENT RELATED COMPLIANTS

Washington Gas welcomes suppliers to communicate any discrepancies or procurement-related matters that require our assistance. We kindly request that suppliers provide a brief description of each complaint, including its nature, and indicate the status or resolution of the matter. This will enable us to address the concerns promptly and work towards a satisfactory resolution.

For suppliers who need additional assistance concerning procurement related complaints, please complete a form, so we can assist with addressing or mediating the matter