The KCS Supplier Diversity Program Initiative (SDPI) is designed to bring the added value of diversity to our purchasing process by proactively seeking high-quality, certified, disadvantaged business enterprise, minority, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. The SDPI offers diverse businesses the opportunity to participate as potential suppliers for products and services for our company. A diverse supply base is an important part of our procurement process and the purchasing organization works with all business units and suppliers across the U.S. and Mexico to establish the best value for KCS.
To qualify as a disadvantaged business enterprise, minority, women-owned or veteran-owned business, your company must be at least 51 percent owned and operated by a disadvantaged business, minority, woman and/or veteran owned person. A disadvantaged business, minority, woman or veteran (to include service disabled and disabled veterans) owner must be involved in daily business operations. The definition of a minority owner, according to the Small Business Administration, is a U.S. citizen from one of the following ethnic groups: African-American, Asian-Indian American, Asian-Pacific American, Hispanic American or Native American.
Diverse businesses must also meet our expectations for all suppliers, which are high-quality, competitively-priced goods and services and timely and responsive service. We require third-party certification or government registration for suppliers to be included in our SDPI . Acceptable sources of third-party certification and registration are the National Minority Supplier Development Council or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. State and local government agency certifications are also acceptable.