Supplier Diversity FAQs

• How can I become a supplier with the Bank?

  Suppliers interested in pursuing opportunities with the Bank are encouraged to:

  1. Register for our Supplier Diversity Program using our Supplier Registration and Opportunity Guide for support
      
  2. Identify their business as diverse by a) completing our self-certification affidavit or b) noting your formal certification through a recognized certifying organization in your company profile of our online supplier portal.

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• How does the Bank post contracting opportunities?

  The Bank posts contracting opportunities on our online supplier portal. Once registered through our online supplier portal, suppliers can express interest in any open postings during the year to be considered for a new engagement with the Bank. To help our suppliers navigate the bidding process, please review the Supplier Registration and Opportunity Guide.

  Notifications of new opportunities are available via email or through the SupplierGATEWAY mobile app. Please email SupplierDiversity@fhlbdm.com if you have any questions regarding our posting process.

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• What types of businesses qualify as a diverse owned business?

  Businesses that are more than 50 percent owned or controlled and have more than 50 percent net profit or loss accrued by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities and/or members of the LGBTQ community are defined as a diverse owned business. Specifically, this includes:

  • Minority Owned Business
    An enterprise meeting the criteria of a business that is more than 50% owned or controlled and more than 50% accrued net profit or loss by African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans or Asian-Indian Americans.

  • Woman Owned Business
    An enterprise meeting the criteria of a business that is more than 50% owned or controlled and more than 50% accrued net profit or loss by women, regardless of their ethnic background.

  • Disabled Owned Business
    An enterprise meeting the criteria of a business that is more than 50% owned or controlled and more than 50% accrued net profit or loss by a person with a disability, regardless of their ethnic background.

  • LGBTQIA+ Owned Business
    An enterprise meeting the criteria of a business that is more than 50% owned or controlled and more than 50% accrued net profit or loss by a person who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual, or asexual, regardless of their ethnic background.

  • Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business
    An enterprise meeting the criteria of a business that is more than 50% owned or controlled and more than 50% accrued net profit or loss by a service disabled veteran or veterans regardless of ethnic background or gender.

  • Veteran Owned Business
    An enterprise meeting the criteria of a business that is more than 50% owned or controlled and more than 50% accrued net profit or loss by a veteran or veterans regardless of ethnic background or gender.

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• What types of businesses qualify as a self-certified business?

  In accordance with the Minority and Women Inclusion Regulation (12 C.FR. Part 1223) the following requirements must be met to qualify as a self-certified diverse-owned business:

  1. More than fifty percent (50%) of the ownership or control is held, directly or indirectly, by one or more minorities, women or individuals with disabilities; and
  2. More than fifty percent (50%) of the net profit or loss accrues to one or more minorities, women or individuals with disabilities

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• As a diverse business, what are the certifying organizations that are recognized by the Bank?
  • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or its affiliates
  • National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
  • National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
  • Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC)
  • United States Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)
  • City, State, or Federal Certification Agencies

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• Does certification ensure that I will be able to do business with the Bank?

  Unfortunately, no. However, if an opportunity presents itself and we believe your business is a potential fit for a current or future business need, the Bank will contact your business to begin discussions. At that time, you may be asked to demonstrate your company’s value proposition for the product or service you are offering.

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• Does the Bank have a Tier 2 program?

  Yes. A prime contractor (tier 1) must report spend if they utilize a subcontractor (tier 2) for services or goods that directly benefits or supports a Bank project. Purchases, activities or expenditures must align with a specific contractual agreement or Statement of Work between the Bank and the prime contractor (tier 1). Spend must be reported quarterly. Please send any questions regarding our Tier 2 Program to: SupplierDiversity@fhlbdm.com or visit our Tier 2 Program webpage.

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• What yearly procurement events will the Bank be attending?

  The Bank often attends the following conferences during the year to connect with diverse business owners. Additional details regarding our participation in these areas will be posted on our social media channels.
  
  2024 Supporting Sponsor: Black and Brown Business Summit – West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

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• Who can I contact if I have questions about the Bank's supplier diversity program?

  To learn more about the Bank’s Supplier Diversity Program, please contact our Supplier Diversity team by emailing SupplierDiversity@fhlbdm.com.

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• Who can I contact for technical support?

  If you encounter technical issues (i.e. password resets, error messages, etc.) pertaining to our online portal, please email support@suppliergateway.zendesk.com or submit a support ticket through the online Support tab and reference the portal site: Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. A reply from SupplierGATEWAY’s support team will be provided within 24 to 48 hours.

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