What is a WMDVLGBTBE?

A woman-, minority-, service-disabled veteran-owned or lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgendered business enterprise (WMDVLGBTBE) is at least 51-percent owned by a woman or women, a minority person or group, service-disabled veteran or group of veterans, or LGBT, who are United States citizens or permanent residents, and who also control and run the business. In cases of any publicly owned business, one or more women, one or more minority, one or more service-disabled veteran(s), or one or more LGBR, who are United States citizens or permanent residents, and who also control and run the business, must own at least 51 percent of the stock.

What is a DBE?

Diversity Business Enterprise (DBE) is the short term referring to WMDVLGBTBE's.

What are the advantages of the Supplier Diversity program?

Supplier Diversity supports strategic sourcing and offers supplier competition to ensure that DBE's are given the opportunity to fully participate in the company's supply chain. The supplier diversity administrator assists with developing supplier solutions to help meet supplier diversity spending targets.

Providing opportunities for DBE's makes good business sense. Our suppliers are among the core partners that have helped San Jose Water become one of the most respected investor owned water companies in California.

How do I become a certified DBE?

Please visit The Supplier Clearinghouse to find out how to become a certified DBE. Please refer to the Supplier Certification section of our website in order to obtain more information.

After certification, what are the next steps?

Once you become certified through the Supplier Clearinghouse (CPUC), register with SJW by following the directions outlined in the Supplier Registration section of our website.

After I register with SJW, what happens next?

Once you register with SJW, your profile will become visible to decision makers who will search the registration database when opportunities arise. You will be contacted only if there is an opportunity that matches your capability outlined in your profile.

Who do I contact to obtain more information?

If you have any questions about San Jose Water's Utility Supplier Diversity Program please contact Timothy McLaughlin at timothy.mclaughlin@sjwater.com