SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM OF
UNIVERSAL SHIELD INSURANCE GROUP AND ITS MEMBER COMPANIES, UNIVERSAL FIRE & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AND
SHIELD INDEMNITY, INC.
NAIC # 32867
NAIC # 16762
- INTRODUCTION
At Universal Shield Insurance Group, Inc. (“USIG”) we believe in conducting business in a fair and transparent manner. Our Supplier Diversity Program is designed to uphold these principles by ensuring that all qualified suppliers, regardless of background, have equal access to procurement opportunities. This Voluntary Supplier Diversity Program for USIG and its member companies; Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, and Shield Indemnity Inc., sets forth the standards, procedures, and expectations for procurement contracts.
- POLICY STATEMENT
USIG is committed to maintaining a neutral and unbiased approach in supplier relationships. Our program is guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all suppliers, irrespective of demographic characteristics.
III. PROGRAM STANDARDS
The Supplier Diversity program applies to all procurement activities within the USIG organization to promote fair competition amongst suppliers and transparency in the procurement process. All suppliers are encouraged to participate, and selection decisions will be based on objective criteria such as quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with contractual terms.
- PROGRAM PROCEDURES
All requests for procurement (or RFP) are to be submitted, along with verifiable proof, either local, state, or federal certifications for proof of minority-owned, women-owned, LGBT-owned, or veteran-owned business to the company contact shown below.
Universal Shield Insurance Group Kimberly Hager
2850 Dixie Hwy Ste 100 Waterford, MI 48328 813-819-3242 Compliance@ufcic.com
Our strategy is to provide notice to all that call on us that we have a voluntary supplier diversity program that they may participate in for minority, women, LGBT, and veteran owned businesses that must have at least 80% of the total economics of their business go to the targeted minority group and proven by submitted financial statements including cash flows or other instruments that may apply. We will put a button or other form of a link on our website, www.ufcic.com, detailing same.
- GOALS / EXPECTATIONS
Our goal is to promote fair competition that is balanced between all suppliers. Awarding business to those qualifying diverse firms with the following caveats shown below. We will maintain no quotas or goals for the total purchase from diverse firms. The program is simply to put them on an equal footing and create a situation where they can “win the ties” when appropriate and qualifying. Notwithstanding, each RFP shall:
- a) be competitive (i.e. cost neutral); and
b) meet all required deliverables, timeliness, quality assurances, cyber/security certifications, financial integrity, etc. as specified; and c) submit to financial examination to verify that they meet the 80% requirement to avoid fronted or inappropriate diversity claims.
USIG Voluntary Supplier Diversity Program Revision Date March 5, 2024
