At WashU, we actively seek businesses that deliver exceptional products and services while supporting a strong, sustainable supply chain. We believe in creating opportunities for a variety of suppliers to contribute to the university’s mission, strengthen the local economy, and spark innovation across our operations.
Business Directories
The Supply Chain Management directories support inclusive purchasing, promote best-value decision-making, and help ensure compliance with university purchasing policies.
Procurement Categories
Our procurement opportunities span a variety of industries, reflecting WashU’s commitment to collaboration and community impact. Whether you provide goods, services, or specialized expertise, there may be potential for your business to partner with us.
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Administrative Support
- Waste Management and Remediation Services
- Construction
- Education Services
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Information Technology
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
- Retail Trade
- Transportation
- Warehouses
- Wholesale Trade
Register Your Business with WashU
Complete our Business Registration Form to increase your visibility to the WashU community. While it does not guarantee participation in our WashU Supply Chain, it let’s us know you are interested in working with our university. Following submission, a member of our Supplier Engagement & Development team will schedule a follow-up call with you.
Our Engagement Process
Explore our Supplier Engagement Process to see how you can connect, develop, and build lasting partnerships with Washington University.
Suppliers can connect with WashU through multiple entry points—such as registering their business, catching us at an event, or engaging with the Supplier Engagement & Development team directly.
We review your business capabilities, certifications, and areas of expertise to assess readiness and identify opportunities that align with WashU’s procurement needs.
Qualified suppliers gain access to tailored resources, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that help strengthen business capacity and competitiveness within higher education and large-scale procurement environments. Learn more about Supplier Development opportunities.
Through events and peer connections, suppliers are encouraged to build meaningful relationships with university purchasers, prime contractors, and other partners to expand their network and visibility.
Suppliers ready for engagement may receive access to bid opportunities, contracts, and upcoming projects that match their qualifications.
We remain committed to continued collaboration by supporting supplier success through performance feedback, recurring engagement opportunities, and the development of long-term partnerships.
Business Classification Definitions
Business classifications categorize companies based on key characteristics such as size, ownership, or certification.
A business is considered diverse if it is at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals from underrepresented groups, or—if publicly owned—if at least 51% of its stock is owned by those individuals, with management and daily operations under their control.
Accurate business classifications help build a competitive and resilient supply chain, support compliance with procurement goals, and strengthen community and economic impact.
| Ability One | Established as an employment center for blind and/or disabled people |
| DBE | Disadvantaged Business Enterprise |
| HBCU/MI | Historically Black College or University/Minority Institution |
| HUBZone | Historically Underutilized Business Zones |
| LGBTQ | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer Owned |
| MBE | Minority Business Enterprise |
| SDB | Small Disadvantaged Business |
| VBE | Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise |
| SDVOSB | Small Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business |
| VOSB | Veteran-Owned Small Business |
| WBE | Woman Business Enterprise |
| WOSB | Woman-owned Small Business |