WGL’s Supplier Diversity Program

Washington Gas is committed to a strong and diverse supplier network that provides mutual value-added relationships and supports our positive impact in the communities. 

Our Supplier Diversity program is a proactive business process that seeks to provide equitable opportunities for Diverse Suppliers capable of providing safe and quality products and services at competitive prices to participate in the Company’s procurement of goods and services.  The program also builds relationships with Diverse Suppliers and promotes supplier participation reflective of our diverse customer base and the diverse communities in which we do business.  


Washington Gas’ dedication to maintaining a robust Supplier Diversity Program fosters relationships with diverse suppliers, promotes growth, and supports development. Furthermore, we prioritize supplier diversity as part of our annual Corporate Scorecard goal, ensuring accountability across our executives, management, and our entire team.

As part of Washington Gas’s Merger Commitment with AltaGas, Washington Gas has set a target to increase Supplier Diversity Management spend to 35% by 2028. To achieve this, we are actively engaging diverse suppliers and aligning their services with our organizational needs. We firmly believe that this program aligns with our values of diversity and inclusion, benefiting our customers, communities, and employees.

Movement of Supplier Diversity

Our Supplier Diversity Program plays a vital role in our pursuit of excellence for all stakeholders and the communities we serve. We have developed a range of initiatives to expand relationships with diverse suppliers and provide them with increased opportunities for growth and enhancement.

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

Strive for 35 Initiatives:

Washington Gas's Supplier Diversity program is deeply committed to promoting the maximum utilization of Diverse Suppliers by offering education, fostering opportunities, and providing access to capital. Moreover, Washington Gas is dedicated to actively creating opportunities for diverse suppliers and inspiring our partners to do the same.

We have joined forces with the Public Service Commission of Maryland, committing to award 25% of our total non-gas dollar spend to diverse suppliers. Building upon this commitment, our merger with AltaGas has raised our goal to 35%. To achieve this, we launched the Strive for 35 campaign, engaging both external vendors and our employees.

Washington Gas' commitment to diverse suppliers is exemplified in our executed agreement with the Public Service Commission of Maryland, which outlines initiatives. Suppliers are welcome to request a complete copy of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for further details. Our ongoing plan is to actively encourage and facilitate the participation of diverse suppliers, both as 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 diverse 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 diverse 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 strongly encourages our partners to cultivate and sustain relationships with diverse suppliers. We believe in the importance of providing guidance and strategies for their growth. As a company, we actively promote and support these efforts by participating in collaborative initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive business community.

Washington Gas maintains a subcontracting program that encourages our prime contractors to utilize and retain certified diverse owned enterprises. We incorporate supplier diversity into our sourcing process and work closely with prime contractors by providing education, guidance, and monitoring their diversity initiatives. To determine if your certification is recognized, please review the list of recognized certifying agencies.

By monitoring subcontractors' supplier diversity spend, it allows for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.  In addition, it strengthens our relationships, fosters a sense of shared purpose, and encourages mutual support in achieving supplier diversity goals.

Overall, by supporting diverse businesses through subcontracting opportunities, it contributes to economic growth and job creation within marginalized communities. By monitoring supplier diversity spend, Washington Gas can track and quantify the positive economic impact within our subcontracting practices.

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

Supplier Diversity Recognition:

WGL and/or Washington Gas have been acknowledged by various organizations for our commitment to supplier diversity. We recognize the value of diverse vendors in our strategic sourcing events and purchases, as they bring innovative ideas, services, and products that enhance value for our clients and communities. The Strive for 35 Supplier Diversity program actively includes certified businesses owned and operated by members of socio-economically disadvantaged groups, such as MWBE, CBE, SDV, Veterans, and LGBTQ+, in our procurement activities and sourcing events. We are dedicated to increasing the representation of small and diverse businesses among our suppliers.

 

 

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 certifications and licenses that are applicable to the products and services provided by your company. 

In addition, for diverse owned firms that are currently certified, you may register as Self- Certified using this link.

Self-Certification

In addition, for diverse owned firms that are eligible to become certified, you may register as Self- Certified using this link. Although we strongly encourage you to become certified with a third-party entity, this self-certification will allow you time to decide which diverse certification is the best fit for your firm.

 

Supplier's Essentials

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

Supplier's Helpful Hints

• Certified by a third-party agency as a minority, woman or service-disabled veteran-owned business
• 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
• Certified by a third-party agency as a minority, woman or service-disabled veteran-owned business
• Facilities and equipment necessary for production and construction or the ability to obtain them
• Organizational experience, accounting, operational controls and technical skills

 

Washington Gas proactively promote supplier diversity by initiating educational programs to foster understanding and support for a more inclusive and aware environment.

We take steps such as

· Conducting training sessions and workshops within the company to educate employees about the importance of supplier diversity, its benefits, and how to support diverse suppliers.

· Organizing webinars or online seminars to educate partners and suppliers.

· Participating in supplier diversity events and conferences.

We also partner with diverse business organizations, such as minority chambers of commerce and business associations.

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 Supplier Diversity Program, please contact:
Washington Gas
Attention: Supplier Diversity
6801 Industrial Road
Springfield, VA 22151
Phone: 703-750-4733
Fax: 703-750-4876
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 current 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