{"id":1566,"date":"2021-06-28T20:19:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T20:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/network.demandstar.com\/?p=1566"},"modified":"2022-06-07T20:19:41","modified_gmt":"2022-06-07T20:19:41","slug":"infrastructure-bill-diversity-classifications-people-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/network.demandstar.com\/blogs\/infrastructure-bill-diversity-classifications-people-with-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Diversity Classifications: Businesses Owned by People with Disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Diversity classifications can help underrepresented groups secure government contracts. As supplier diversity programs become more popular in government procurement departments, businesses that meet diversity classifications would benefit from securing those certifications and including them on their bids. Especially as it was just announced that a deal has been made for $1.2 trillion<\/a> in potential funding as President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Bill continues to work its way through the legislative process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disability: IN<\/a> is a nationally recognized certification program for business enterprises owned by people with disabilities (DOBE\u00ae), business enterprises owned by veterans with disabilities (V-DOBE\u00ae) and business enterprises owned by veterans disabled during service (SDV-DOBE\u00ae). This certification is recognized by both the government and private sector, making it particularly appealing and helpful for business owners looking to participate in an organization\u2019s supplier diversity program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the benefits of Disability: IN?<\/strong>
The goal of Disability: IN is to make working environments more inclusive for employees with disabilities. They work directly with companies and government agencies to reach their mission, and they also provide resources to companies owned by people with disabilities. By becoming a certified DOBE, V-DOBE, or SDV-DOBE, companies will be included in the Supplier Diversity Sourcing HUB, which helps both corporate and government buyers find qualified suppliers that meet their supplier diversity requirements. The organization also hosts a variety of events including their annual conference in the U.S., a global summit, and has affiliate offices across the U.S. for a more personal touch. They offer strategic alliances with other organizations that promote supplier diversity for other underrepresented groups. Disability: IN also provides information and resources, policy advocacy, and a networking and business matchmaking service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do companies qualify?<\/strong>
This is a certification program, so all businesses must apply and qualify to access program benefits and include the Disability: IN status on their upcoming bids. Qualifications listed on their Get Certified<\/a> page include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n