Minimum Requirements for Prospective Suppliers

Small and Diverse Supplier Requirements

All small and diverse suppliers meet our stringent criteria. Each small and diverse supplier must be a U.S. citizen who satisfies the ownership requirements as a small, woman, minority, veteran, HUB/HUB-zone, disabled, or disadvantaged individual and/or group. See below for a list of minimum requirements.

  • Established Business - Potential suppliers should be in business for at least one year and have other satisfied customers the size of VWR.
  • References - Suppliers must provide to VWR.
  • Financial Stability - VWR reviews credit and financial reports when determining a good credit rating and financially stability.
  • Adhere to VWR's Insurance Requirements.
  • US Federal Taxpayer ID - Suppliers must provide to VWR.
  • DUNNS NUMBER - Suppliers must provide to VWR.
  • Certifications - Suppliers must provide copies of all diverse business classification certifications to VWR, such as the following:
    • Department of General Services (DVBE certification)
    • Office of Small Business Certification and Resources
    • National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
    • National Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE certification)
    • U.S. Department of Transportation (DBE certification)
    • U.S. Small Business Administration (SDB or Section 8(a) certification)
    • Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBE certification)
    • State and Municipal Purchasing Departments
  • Quality Standards - Suppliers must provide high quality products that are fully warranted; and must perform services professionally and to VWR's satisfaction.
  • Competitive Pricing/Most Favored Customer - Suppliers must offer prices for their products and services that are competitive within the industry. VWR expects pricing and any discounts to be equal to or better than that given to other customers with a comparable volume of business.
  • Legal Counsel - Suppliers should be able to provide VWR with quick access to their legal counsel if required. This enables rapid negotiations and interpretation of contract language.
  • Legal Title - Suppliers must have legal and marketable title to all products they supply.