DCSIMG

​​What is supplier diversity?

Supplier diversity is a proactive business strategy that seeks to provide diverse suppliers equal opportunity to sourcing and supply chain processes.

​​Our policy statement

We recognize the economic importance of diverse suppliers such as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and all categories of small business concerns to the community. We are committed to developing strong working relationships with diverse suppliers and using innovative approaches designed to continually improve business opportunities. Our commitment is not philanthropic – the relationships we seek must meet the test of providing value both to CenterPoint Energy and to diverse suppliers.

Our objectives

  • Actively seek diverse suppliers that can provide competitive and high-quality commodities and services for sourceable opportunities.

  • Seek opportunities to assist in the development and competitiveness of diverse suppliers through instruction, mentoring, capacity building and outreach activities.

  • Establish clear expectations and criteria requiring major suppliers support (Tier II) our supplier diversity’s spend goals.


What we procure

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Electric transmission, distribution and power generation

  • Engineering, substation, Transmission and distribution design
  • Overhead, underground, line locating
  • Site work, hard surface restoration
  • Heavy equipment, parts, switches, relays, poles, wires, materials
  • Vegetation management
  • Energy efficiency

Natural gas

  • Leak detection equipment
  • Generators
  • Storage fieldwork
  • Construction

IT and Corporate Services/Other

  • Computer Hardware and Software
  • Telecom
  • Marketing
  • Janitorial
  • Fleet/Logistics/Fuel
  • Promotional Items
  • Legal
  • Consulting Services
Onboarding

CenterPoint Energy is dedicated to purchasing products and services from qualified diverse suppliers. Factors considered in determining qualifications are without limitation to safety, financial integrity, experience, technical expertise, competitive pricing, environmental and cyber/physical security compliance, as well as compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including licensing and permitting requirements. Ability to obtain payment and performance bonds where applicable, and compliance with the Company’s specifications, schedule and insurance requirements, and terms and conditions are also considered. 

Moreover, we develop a category management approach with our business unit stakeholders, sourcing materials and/or services activities such as conducting a competitive bid process, negotiation, contract management, and risk evaluation. Selection and onboarding occur when there is an advantage to CenterPoint Energy in directly negotiating or soliciting a bid and fulfilling the transactional execution needs.

View required training

2021

  • Houston Business Journal - Outstanding Supplier Diversity Award
  • Subcontractors USA - Supplier Diversity Champion Award
  • HMSDC - Middle Market Engagement Award
  • HMSDC - Prime Engagement Award
  • HMSDC - Helping Hands Award

2020

  • WBENC - Top Corporation Award for Outstanding Diversity Inclusion Practices
  • HMSDC - President's Award
  • WBEA - Cutting Edge Award for Outstanding Utilization of Women Business Enterprises
  • WBEA - Cutting Edge Award for Greatest Expenditure of Women Business Enterprises
  • WBEA - Cutting Edge Award for Warrior of the Year

FAQs

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Events

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Email

Send an email to our Supplier Diversity team.

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