Supplier FAQ

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What criteria does Smurfit-Stone use when selecting a supplier?
Is certification a requirement to participate in Smurfit-Stone's Supplier Diversity Program?
Does certification ensure I will do business with Smurfit-Stone?
Are set-asides a part of the Smurfit-Stone Supplier Diversity Program?
What are the diverse business classifications?
Who manages the procurement process?
I want to meet with a Smurfit-Stone representative. How can this be achieved?
I've registered with Smurfit-Stone, why haven't I been contacted to participate in a sourcing initiative?
How does a supplier do business with Smurfit-Stone through the Supplier Diversity Program?
I have begun the registration process, but I did not receive any confirmation. Is my company in the database?
What are other actions or next steps I can take to be more proactive?
Where do I find more information on certifications in order to meet Smurfit-Stone Supplier Diversity Program certification requirements?

1) What criteria does Smurfit-Stone use when selecting a supplier?

The criteria used to select a minority and/or woman-owned supplier is the same one used to select a majority supplier. This includes the ability to offer a product or service that is of high quality, competitively priced and that comes with an assurance of excellence in customer service.

We require certifications for Minority, Small Disadvantaged, and HubZone businesses from the Small Business Administration or third-party supplier development councils. Local, state and/or federal certification can also be submitted. Certification in the other categories is encouraged, but not required. Self-certification by completion of our Business Classification form is required for these categories.

No. The Supplier Diversity Program facilitates the process of applying for contracts to do business with Smurfit-Stone; however, it does not guarantee they will obtain that business. The major criterion for obtaining business is still whether Smurfit-Stone has a need for your product and/or service. Another criterion is the ability of the supplier(s) to offer products and/or services to Smurfit-Stone at a competitive price.

No. Our program is in place to provide equal contractual opportunity to historically underutilized but qualified suppliers, and leverage such opportunity to create a strategic sourcing advantage.

Minority-Owned Business (MBE) - A business that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more minorities. Also who are US citizens and one of the following ethnicities African-American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American and Asian-Indian American

Small Business (SBE) - A business independently owned, and operated and in accordance with the definitions and size standards established by the SBA. The most common size standards are as follows:

• 500 employees for most manufacturing and mining industries
• 100 employees for all wholesale trade industries
• $6 million for most retail and service industries
• $28.5 million for most general & heavy construction industries
• $12 million for most agricultural industries.

Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) - A business that is that is at least 51% owned and the daily business operation is controlled by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. In the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of its stock must be owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals such as Alaskan native, American Indians, Asian Americans, Black Americans and Hispanic Americans and Asian Pacific Americans. A Small Disadvantaged Business must be SBA certified.

Women-Owned (WBE) – A business that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more women who are US citizens.

Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE) – A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a U.S. Veteran or group of veterans. A veteran is defined as someone who has served in the active military, naval or air services and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Service Disabled Veteran (SDVBE) – Any veteran who was disabled during active duty service and received a rating letter qualifies for being classified as a Disabled Veteran Business. The 51% ownership and control of the business is applied to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

HubZone – A company located in a “historically underutilized business zone” and is owned by one or more US Citizens and at least 35% of its employees reside in the HubZone. SBA certification must be obtained.

The Smurfit-Stone Corporate Procurement Department and Commodity Managers. Every supplier is asked to register at our website and when the form is completed, the supplier is matched with procurement opportunities within the company, and is also eligible to participate in our competitive bidding process.

Although buyers of goods and services work in many different departments or locations in the company, the Diversity program is coordinated through the Supplier Diversity department in Corporate Procurement.

Smurfit-Stone has a Corporate Procurement Department and procurement representatives all over the country. Due to the large volume of inquiries, we require that you register first and our commodity managers will contact you if there is a business opportunity.

If your company has not been contacted to participate in a sourcing activity, it could be that the particular product or service your company provides is not currently being sourced or a match was not found between our procurement needs and your company's capabilities.

The submission of a completed supplier profile form and certifying documents to Smurfit-Stone does not constitute an offer of business or award to any company. It does, however, ensure that your company information is included in our database for future reference and utilization during procurement activities.

To be considered for business with Smurfit-Stone through the Supplier Diversity Program, your company must meet the certification and registration requirements as one of the diverse supplies listed in the Supplier Zone database.

After you have completed your registration, you should have received a confirmation e-mail stating your registration status as either Incomplete or Accepted. If you did not receive this confirmation please e-mail us at eneely@smurfit.com

There are several steps that suppliers can take as a potential supplier. We encourage you to research the Smurfit-Stone. By visiting our Web site, you can learn about our products and services and have a better understanding of our sourcing priorities. With comprehensive information about our business needs, you can target those that are best suited to your company, either by your specialties, core competencies, strengths and/or geographic locations. You can also send your company information directly by mail to the Supplier Diversity Department of Smurfit-Stone at 222 North LaSalle St. Chicago IL 60601.

A. For minority-owned businesses, visit www.nmsdc.org
B. For women-owned businesses, visit www.wbenc.org
C. For small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses or HUBZone small businesses, visit www.sba.gov
D. For registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), visit www.bpn.gov