University of Florida Minority Business Enterprise Goal

Gerald Schaffer, Vice President for Administrative Affairs

Florida Statutes require the University of Florida to increase purchasing activities with Minority Business Enterprises certified by the State Commission on Minority Economic and Business Development. The Commission has set the University’s 1995-96 Certified Minority Business Enterprise (CMBE) goal at approximately $8 million. In order to achieve this goal, cooperation and assistance of each department is required.

It is important for the University to fully support the University’s Minority Business Program. I encourage each Dean, Director, and Department Chair to make every effort to use Certified Minority Businesses for purchases below the $11,000 bid level. A Directory of Certified Minority Businesses is available from Larry T. Ellis, Director of Minority Business Programs, at 392-1331. Mr. Ellis is available to discuss the State Minority Business Enterprise Program with you and/or your staff upon request.

The University of Florida Division of Purchasing is hosting the 6th Annual Small & Minority Business Trade Fair on March 4, 1996, in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom. This event is designed to introduce a variety of minority vendors to department managers, requisitioners and users. Attendees will gain a useful insight into the operations and capabilities of the Minority Business Enterprise vendors. I encourage you and your staff to participate in this day long event.