Supplier Diversity Expectations

BAE Systems seeks small businesses that possess the following:

• Core competencies that provide complementary skills. Niche-type offerings are often sought over those that are in large supply. Offerings such as innovative technology that will conform to customer requirements is of real value.
• Excellent past performance. Demonstrated performance at the prime or subcontract level in the federal sector, and commercial or second-tier subcontracting, is also given consideration.
• Clearances and professional certifications. Security clearances include secret, top secret, and facility clearances. The following certifications are also frequently required: project management professional (PMP), Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• Understanding of federal acquisition processes. It is expected that businesses comprehend the request for information, request for proposal award, and federal acquisition regulation processes, and are able to analyze a request for proposal and provide well-developed responses that contribute to the win strategy of a team.
• Sound financial structure. Well-established small and/or disadvantaged businesses that demonstrate sustainability.