25-01 Buy Local, Buy Michigan Program
1.0 Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to enhance successful business relationships between Local Businesses and Wayne State University, through the implementation of programs that will require a consistent and high level of participation from all university units.
1.2 Wayne State University is committed to actively seeking goods and services from Local Businesses. We strive to enhance our supplier base to reflect the markets we service.
2.0 Classifications
2.1 Local Businesses
Wayne State University defines “Local Businesses” as business enterprises that qualify as a Detroit Based Business, a Michigan Based Business, or a Small Business under the following criteria:
- Detroit Based Business
A Detroit Based Business is a business whose headquarters and mailing address for purchase orders and other correspondence are located in the City of Detroit.
- Metro Detroit Based Business
A Metro Detroit Based Business is a business whose headquarters and mailing address for purchase orders and other correspondence are located in one of the counties below, but who does not qualify as a Detroit based business.- Livingston County
- Macomb County
- Oakland County
- Washtenaw County
- Wayne County
- Michigan Based Business
A Michigan Based Business is a business whose headquarters and mailing address for purchase orders and other correspondence are located in the State of Michigan, but who does not qualify as a Detroit Based Business or a Metro Detroit Based Business.
- Small Business
A Small Business is a business that has an active registration as a Certified Small Business with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Information on how to register can be found on the GSA website (currently at https://www.gsa.gov/sell-to-government/step-2-compete-for-a-contract/certify-as-a-small-business).
3.0 Policy
3.1 It is the policy of Wayne State University, through its Buy Local, Buy Michigan Program, to increase the business opportunities for Local Businesses. The University’s commitment is to maximize Local Business participation through the development of mutually beneficial business relationships with such firms. The effort is university-wide and includes traditional procurement and contracted services as well as subcontracting and joint venture activities.
3.2 It is the responsibility of all schools/colleges/divisions, along with Procurement and Strategic Sourcing and Facilities, Planning and Management, to seek out Local Businesses and take the steps necessary to assure that these businesses receive a fair share in the economic opportunities available.
3.3 The program is intended to build an awareness of the University’s Buy Local, Buy Michigan Program business efforts, and to provide opportunities for Local Businesses. While the University does not practice set-asides or preferences, it makes every effort to provide opportunities and assistance to these suppliers so they can successfully compete to do business with the University and succeed.
3.4 This program is developed, not as a response to outside regulatory agencies or mandatory requirements, but as an effort to recognize and support programs which can enhance our community and state.
4.0 Coordination
4.1 The coordination efforts are vested in the AVP of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing (Procurement) in the Division of Finance and Business Affairs and the AVP of Facilities, Planning and Management. However, the commitment of the program is a University-wide goal and all functional units must contribute to its success.
5.0 Function
5.1 In support of this policy, Wayne State University will:
- Increase departmental awareness of University Buy Local, Buy Michigan Program objectives and opportunities.
- Educate suppliers about how to conduct business with the University.
- Provide reasonable business opportunity to Local Businesses to participate as suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors for the University.
5.2 The Division of Finance and Business Affairs, primarily through its Procurement and Facilities Planning and Management units, will guide and support the University’s commitment to enhancing and encouraging business opportunities among its suppliers. It is their responsibility to provide guidance for the University, and to the suppliers, to promote the utilization of suppliers for he procurement of goods and services for the University community.
5.3 Procurement will manage the process within the University’s policies and procedures; however, all Schools/Colleges/Divisions are instrumental in embracing the program.
6.0 Program Initiatives
6.1 Foster, develop and promote Local Business. This program is intended to encourage units within the University to seek out, mentor and utilize qualified Local Businesses.
6.2 Foster, develop and promote Local Businesses in a subcontracting or joint venture purchasing program. This program is intended to encourage current large University vendors to share our values by subcontracting with and using Local Businesses. This program will be monitored on a routine basis to ensure growth and opportunities for these suppliers and results will be reported annually.
6.3 Educate the University community so that all units will become fully aware of this policy and participate in increasing purchases from Local Businesses.
6.4 Monitor and record all expenditures with Local Businesses and report results on an annual basis.
6.5 Strengthen the capabilities and growth of Local Businesses by sponsoring programs/training and technology classes to enhance their business opportunities.
6.6 Increase the University’s involvement in the Detroit community and our state and with their various business associations and programs.
7.0 Duration
7.1 This university policy is revocable at any time and without notice at the discretion of the President.
8.0 Effective Date
8.1 This university policy is effective upon issuance.
Signed by President Kimberly Andrews Espy on May, 20, 2025