Frequently Asked Questions

> How does Air Products define a diverse supplier?
> What criteria does Air Products use when selecting a supplier?
> What if my company is not a diverse supplier?
> How can I learn about potential procurement opportunities at Air Products?
> What are the next steps with Air Products regarding any potential procurement opportunity?
> Why should I obtain an SBA or third party certification when my company is already certified by a recognized agency?
> Does certification ensure that my company will be able to do business with Air Products?
> What is CCR and SUB-NET?
> Will anyone outside of Air Products have access to my business information?
> Whom do I contact at Air Products Supplier Diversity for more information?
> How can I learn more information about diverse businesses?

Answer: For U.S. based, a diverse supplier, is a basically a for profit enterprise. See Diverse Supplier Qualifications Link.

Answer: Air Products uses the same criteria for diverse suppliers as it does with its major suppliers. We look for suppliers that have the basic capabilities to offer competitive pricing, high quality products and services, and assurance of excellent customer service.

Answer: Air Products does business with all suppliers as we encourage all suppliers to contact us with any inquiries for business opportunity. If you are not a certified diverse supplier, you should determine your company’s status by reviewing the guidelines set by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and/or the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

Answer: Recommend your company review the Commodity Link on a regular basis to see if an opportunity exists, then send an e-mail inquiry. Air Products seeks suppliers who provide a value-added product or service.

What are the next steps with Air Products regarding any potential procurement opportunity?

Answer: We will work with commodity managers to identify upcoming opportunities and screen identified diverse suppliers to see if a match exists with the supplier’s capabilities and the procurement opportunity. If a match occurs, the supplier will be contacted to further discuss the opportunity, supplier’s capabilities, and business requirement.

Why should I obtain an SBA or third party certification when my company is already certified by a recognized agency?

Answer: Air Products and Chemicals Inc is a contractor and subcontractor for the U.S. Federal Government. We have a requirement to report annually our spend with diverse suppliers. It’s best to have the SBA as the Federal agency or a third party to issue those certifications.

Does certification ensure that my company will be able to do business with Air Products?

Answer: No, certification doesn’t guarantee that your company or any other company will obtain Air Products business. The main criterion is whether Air Products has a need or requirement for your product and/or service. If opportunities exist, they will be considered as part of Air Products supply chain processes.

Answer: CCR—Central Contractor Registration (Formerly Pro-net) is an online database of information on thousands of small businesses and serves as a search engine for contracting officers, a marketing tool for small companies, and a "link" to procurement opportunities and other important information. It also provides links to the online Commerce Business Daily, federal agency home pages and other sources of procurement opportunities. It offers free registration to small businesses. Simply access the CCR web site at http://www.ccr.gov/ and follow the instructions. Trouble calls or problems with logins should be addressed to (202) 205-7312/7325 or Fax 202 205-7324.

SUB-Net, an extension of PRO-Net, is primarily for prime contractors to post subcontracting opportunities. These opportunities may or may not be reserved for small businesses. They may include solicitations or other notices, such as a search for "teaming" partners and/or subcontractors for future contracts. The SUB-Net site enables small businesses to use their limited resources to identify and bid on concrete, tangible opportunities. While the web site is designed primarily as a place for large businesses to post solicitations and notices, federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, and small businesses can also use it for the same purpose. You can access SUB-Net through the PRO-Net home page by choosing the "Subcontracting Opportunities" button. Or, you can go directly to SUB-Net at http://web.sba.gov/subnet/.

Answer: The information Air Products receives is considered confidential and only Air Products people will have access to it. Air Products will not sell or share your information with external sources or companies.

Answer: Send an e-mail to Air Products with your specific question at Supplier Diversity.