CGLCC Initiates Two-Stage Project: Request for Proposals Released for National Supplier Diversity Portal

Toronto, Ontario — Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Research and Implementation of a National Supplier Diversity Portal. “This initiative marks a strategic move toward advancing supplier diversity In Canada for both our LGBTQ Certified Suppliers and our Corporate Members here at CGLCC” says A.J. Stewart (He/Him), Operations Manager for Supplier Diversity at CGLCC.

Objective: 

This project is structured into two distinct stages, each playing a crucial role in the development and launch of the organization’s new portal.

Stage 1: Research and Recommendations

In this initial phase, CGLCC will seek a qualified consultant to conduct an in-depth analysis of existing supplier diversity and member-based portals. The consultant will provide comprehensive recommendations, laying the groundwork for the subsequent stages of development and implementation.

Stage 2: Development, Implementation, Testing, and Launch

Building upon the insights gained from the research phase, CGLCC will enter the second stage of the project. This stage involves the hands-on development, implementation, rigorous testing, and launch of the new portal.

Key Components of the RFP:

Database Research:

• Needs assessment: Gain an understanding of CGLCC’s needs for the new portal from the view of both internal and external stakeholders.
• Portal Research: Evaluate existing North American-based supplier diversity portals or member based portals similar in nature to understand their functionalities, strengths and weaknesses, and ability to meet the needs of CGLCC’s supplier diversity program.
• Report and Recommendations: Compile a comprehensive report detailing findings from the needs assessment and portal research, providing clear recommendations, timelines, and costs for the creation of or implementation of a new supplier diversity portal.

Why It Matters:

The National Supplier Diversity Portal signifies CGLCC’s commitment to fostering a more efficient and inclusive procurement environment. The selected consultant will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future in supplier diversity practices.

Project Contact:

Name: A.J. Stewart (He/Him)
Position: Operations Manager, Supplier Diversity
Email: aj@cglcc.ca

About CGLCC:

Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the 2SLGBTQI+ business community and advocating on behalf of an estimated 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses in Canada, as well as 2SLGBTQI+ professionals, students of business, allies, and ally organizations. 

CGLCC’s core mission is to contribute to a thriving and inclusive Canadian economy by promoting economic growth and prosperity through supplier diversity certification, expanding global trade opportunities, and entrepreneur mentorship.

As an entity, CGLCC is recognized as the business diversity partner within Canada, fostering relevant, expert knowledge, creating meaningful, profitable business connections, and representing the 2SLGBTQI+ business community in a way that furthers their pride.

CGLCC is supported by 73 corporate and government partners committed to engaging 2SLGBTQI+ businesses through supplier diversity.

Supplier Diversity Program

As part of a commitment to diversity and inclusion, many companies are taking intoconsideration which businesses they buy their products and services from. They want toprovide a level playing field for diverse suppliers to access business opportunities within their supply chain.

CGLCC is Canada’s certifying body for businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a member of the LGBTQ community. We provide access to some of the largest supplier chains in North America, as well as networking and resources to help entrepreneurs scale and grow. Certification provides large corporations with access & visibility. It provides them with reliable accountability to grow supplier diversity within their organization both ethically and sustainably.

CGLCC currently has 73 corporate partners that are engaged in Supplier Diversity. CGLCC works with these corporations to connect them with certified LGBTQ businesses for procurement opportunities.

We currently have 140 certified diverse businesses enrolled in CGLCC’s Supplier Diversity Program. CGLCC’s certified supplier list includes businesses from a broad range of industries, including consulting & professional services, F&B, and IT. We also endeavour to further our supplier diversity efforts in key need industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. With the announcement of the 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Entrepreneurship Program, we will expand our supplier base by 400 new certified suppliers by 2026. With that number in mind, we expect to certify 15 to 20 new businesses every month for the next two years.

Relevant Links:
See the full RFP here
More about our Supplier Diversity Program

Proposals must be submitted in English in PDF format (including appendices, where applicable) to aj@cglcc.ca no later than February 13th, 2024, at 5 pm EST. No other submission format will be accepted.

All proposals must be marked with the bidder’s name and reference the title of this project: Project Title: National Supplier Diversity Portal Research
CGLCC will notify all bidders in the form of an email upon receipt of their proposal. CGLCC is not responsible for bids that fail to meet this deadline.