TECO Energy’s Supplier Diversity Program aims to promote inclusive procurement practices that provide opportunities and develop relationships with diverse suppliers who provide products and services that help our company succeed in a highly competitive environment.
The relationship between TECO Energy employees with buying authority and small and diverse businesses gives our team more supplier choices and generates awareness of supply opportunities at TECO Energy.
We strive to accomplish our goals through:
Registry
Maintain a secure directory of potential product and service sources from diverse suppliers, including businesses with qualifying diversity certifications.
Representation
Identify qualified small and diverse businesses with qualifying diversity certifications to include in bid requests for procurements before issuing all formal RFPs and RFQs.
Relationships
Develop and retain business relationships as potential supply sources through events highlighting small and diverse businesses. In addition, we sponsor businesses for conferences and diverse business awards.
Resources
Access to external resources to support small and disadvantaged business concerns like growth and development strategies; also provide access to certifications and education on growth and sustainability initiatives.
Our Process:
If you’re interested in becoming a qualified TECO Energy (Tampa Electric or Peoples Gas) supplier, please:
- Send an email to procurement@tecoenergy.com with your company's relevant information (any certifications, licenses, safety programs information and ratings, financial reports, etc.). You will receive an invitation to apply to our program.
- Register your business on the Smart by GEP Platform. Your information will be stored in a secure central repository and easily accessed by our contract managers.
- Complete the registration via an expanded questionnaire when we see a potential need for your products or services. At that time, a determination will be made as to whether your products or services meet our criteria as a qualified supplier. If we do not have a current need for your products or services, your information will be kept on file for 12 months.
- Review your application annually to keep it current. Your participation in our program will help maintain compliance with certain contract terms. For example, we'll be able to notify you of expiring certifications. You can conveniently update your company's information and contacts, ensuring we keep you updated.
