Supplier Diversity: Program Information

 

Workplace | Community | Partners/Suppliers

To participate in Aetna’s Supplier Diversity Program, suppliers must hold valid minority-owned, women-owned or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender-owned business certification or maintain valid registration as a small business through the Small Business Administration.

Definitions

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE): a company that is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by U.S. citizens that are members of a minority group. Minority groups include: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Indian Americans and Asian Pacific Americans.

Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE): a company that is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by one or more women.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender-owned business (LGBT): a company owned by one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE): a company registered with the Small Business Administration meeting the criteria of one of their programs including the following designations: small business, small disadvantaged business, disadvantaged business, disabled veteran owned business, veteran owned business, HUBZone, or the SBA 8(a) Program. 

Certification

In order to hold a minority-owned, women-owned, LGBT-owned and/or small business designation/s within the Aetna system, suppliers must provide certification and/or registrations from an approved third-party agency. Multiple certifications from applicable agencies are required for multiple designations.

The approved third-party organization administers an in-depth review of all aspects of the business to ensure it is owned, operated and managed by minorities, women and/or LGBT individuals. For more information about the certification process, please contact the respective certification agency.

Approved Third-Party Certification Agencies:

  • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and its regional affiliates
  • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and its regional affiliates
  • National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
  • Small Business Administration
  • Approved State, City or Local Government Municipalities

Certification is important for providing our program credibility as it validates the ownership of our suppliers.