L.A. DOWNTOWN MEDICAL CENTER
1. Policy Statement
Supplier Diversity Policy Statement
It is the policy of LA Downtown Medical Center (LADMC) to provide certified diverse business enterprises the maximum opportunity to participate as partners and suppliers of goods and services. LADMC is committed to supplier diversity as an integral part of its overall supply chain management strategy.
2. Goals and Timetables
Please describe your hospital's short-term goals and timetables, but not quotas, for increasing procurement from women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises
L.A. Downtown Medical Center is dedicated to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and competitive supplier base that reflects the communities we serve. In support of the Hospital Supplier Diversity Program, our hospital has initiated a structured approach to increasing procurement from women-, minority-, LGBTQ-, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. We have identified the following short-term goals and timetables to expand opportunities for diverse suppliers within our organization: 1. Establish Baseline Spend Analysis (Q3 2025): We are currently conducting a baseline spend analysis to identify current procurement levels with diverse suppliers. 2. Develop a Reporting Framework (Q4 2025): A formal reporting framework will be implemented to track procurement activity with certified diverse businesses, enabling regular review and accountability. 3. Outreach and Vendor Engagement (Q4 2025 – Q2 2026): We will participate in supplier diversity outreach events and increase awareness of upcoming contracting opportunities and encourage diverse vendor registration in our system. 4. Internal Education and Process Alignment (Ongoing): Our procurement and contracting teams will receive training on inclusive sourcing practices, with an emphasis on identifying and eliminating barriers to entry for diverse suppliers. We recognize that this is a developing area and are actively working to strengthen our data systems and outreach strategies to support inclusive procurement. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with certified diverse businesses and continuously seek ways to improve access and equity within our supply chain.
Please describe your hospital's long-term goals and timetables, but not quotas, for increasing procurement from women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises
Our long-term goals and timetable include: Institutionalize Inclusive Procurement Policies (2026–2027): We plan to formalize inclusive procurement language within all purchasing policies and standard operating procedures, ensuring equity is embedded into routine procurement practices. Build Strategic Partnerships (2026–2028): We will expand partnerships with local and statewide supplier diversity organizations to identify qualified vendors, provide technical assistance, and promote upcoming opportunities. Develop a Tier 2 Reporting Program (2027): In collaboration with our prime contractors and vendors, we will develop a Tier 2 reporting mechanism to capture subcontracting opportunities with diverse suppliers. Leverage Technology for Supplier Engagement (2027–2029): As we upgrade our procurement systems, we intend to incorporate features that allow for easier identification, tracking, and onboarding of certified diverse suppliers. Sustain Continuous Improvement and Transparency (Ongoing): Progress will be assessed through internal audits and annual reporting, including submission to HCAI. Our leadership team is committed to continuous review and refinement of our supplier diversity efforts to ensure long-term impact.
3. Outreach and Communication
Please describe the methods in which the hospital encourages and seeks out both prime and subcontract suppliers from women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises to become potential suppliers
Administration and Materials Management work together to review the prospective suppliers to see if they meet certain minimum qualifications. These qualifications may vary by product and service type. We review Tax ID, adherence to Norton Healthcare's Vendor Code of Conduct and any certifications. * Objective Measurements establishing and meeting company and departmental goals and objectives that support our overall diversity strategy. * Tracking and Reporting - We evaluate if the organization is tracking their own participation in the supplier diversity program. * External Outreach Activities - Seeking diverse suppliers through active involvement with small business and minority development organizations, and participation in various procurement events. * Communications - Educating employees, management, diverse suppliers, and the community on our supplier diversity program, policies, and achievements.
Please describe the methods in which the hospital encourages its employees involved in procurement to seek out women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises to become potential suppliers
External Outreach Activities - Seeking diverse suppliers through active involvement with small business and minority development organizations, and participation in various procurement events. * Communications - Educating employees, management, diverse suppliers, and the community on our supplier diversity program, policies, and achievements.
Please describe the methods in which the hospital conducts outreach and communication to women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises
LA Downtown Medical Center has a VA contract with two Skilled Nursing Facilities in addition to word of mouth and MD communications. We also do the following: 1. External Outreach Activities - Seeking diverse suppliers through active involvement with small business and minority development organizations, and participation in various procurement events. 2. Communications - Educating employees, management, diverse suppliers, and the community on our supplier diversity program, policies, and achievements.
4. Support and Supplier Resolutions
Please describe the methods in which your hospital supports, partners with, or interacts with organizations and other entities in the procurement ecosystem that promote, certify, or contract with women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises
L.A. Downtown Medical Center actively support and seeks to expand relationships with organizations that promote, certify, or contract with women-owned, minority-owned, LGBT-owned, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises (WMBE/LGBT/DVBE). Current methods include: Internal Referral and Vetting Process: Our process is to refer diverse suppliers for contracting opportunities and track engagement outcomes. This process includes maintaining an internal list of diverse vendors and providing them with fair opportunities to compete for bids. Community Investment Initiatives Supporting local economic development programs that prioritize underrepresented businesses.
Please describe the methods in which your hospital resolves any issues that may limit or impede an enterprise from becoming a supplier
L.A. Downtown Medical Center actively works to resolve barriers that may limit or impede becoming suppliers. We do not just acknowledge these challenges we take deliberate steps to eliminate them by removing procedural, informational, and systemic obstacles through the following methods: Direct Issue Resolution Through Personalized Support When a prospective supplier experiences difficulty with registration, documentation, or understanding bid requirements, our team engages directly with the vendor to resolve the issue. This includes clarifying confusing contract language and providing individualized guidance to help vendors complete necessary steps. Adjustment of Internal Requirements When Feasible We regularly review and, when appropriate, adjust nonessential contract requirements such as insurance minimums or bonding thresholds that may disproportionately burden smaller or newer vendors. These adjustments are made with risk management in mind, while still promoting inclusive access. Feedback Mechanisms for Continuous Improvement When a vendor is not awarded a contract, we offer feedback that addresses deficiencies in their submission and recommend areas for improvement. This turns a missed opportunity into a developmental one, helping resolve knowledge or capacity gaps that may have prevented success. Responsive Communication Channels We have established responsive communication channels that vendors can use to report issues, ask questions, or request assistance. Our team is committed to resolving concerns quickly, so that delays or misunderstandings do not prevent vendors from successfully participating.
5. Diversity Commission Recommendations and Planned Implementations
Please describe the past implementation of relevant recommendations made by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission
L.A. Downtown Medical Center has implemented several key recommendations made by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission, reflecting our commitment to advancing equity, access, and transparency within our procurement practices. The following actions represent steps we have taken for a more inclusive supply chain: 1. Adopted a Supplier Diversity Policy Statement This policy guides our procurement operations and sets the tone for inclusion across departments. 2. Designated Leadership Oversight We have appointed a supplier diversity lead to oversee implementation efforts, coordinate internal initiatives, and ensure accountability. This leadership structure reflects the Commission’s recommendation to assign executive responsibility for diversity performance. 3. Enhanced Procurement Access and Transparency We have taken steps to unbundle large contracts where feasible and ensure diverse suppliers are included in bid notifications. We are also working toward making procurement opportunities more visible via internal and external communication channels. As additional recommendations and best practices emerge from the Diversity Commission, we remain committed to continuous improvement and expanding our partnerships with diverse suppliers to better serve our community and reflect the values of equity and opportunity.
Please describe the planned implementation of relevant recommendations made by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission
L.A. Downtown Medical Center is actively planning to implement multiple recommendations from the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission. While some activities are already underway, others are in the planning or development phase. Below is an overview of our key planned initiatives: Action Plan & Timeline Short- and long-term goals for increasing procurement from WMBE/LGBT/DVBE suppliers Voluntary Guidelines Adoption Revise contract requirements to reduce barriers (e.g., insurance, bonding) Leadership & Accountability Structures Appoint an executive-level sponsor responsible for policy implementation
6. Procurement Process and Certification
Please describe your hospital's procurement process
LA Downtown Medical Center's procurement process is grounded in transparency, clinical quality, and regulatory compliance, with a growing emphasis on inclusion and supplier diversity. Our hospital follows a structured process for identifying, evaluating, and contracting with suppliers, while also remaining responsive to evolving healthcare needs and community partnerships. Procurement Process Overview: Needs Identification and Clinical Input Department leaders, clinicians, and administrative stakeholders assess procurement needs based on operational demands, patient care standards, and regulatory requirements. Requests for new suppliers may originate from clinical recommendations (e.g., physician referrals), quality assurance reviews. Supplier Identification Our sourcing team uses multiple channels to identify qualified vendors, including: Word-of-mouth referrals from medical staff and trusted clinical partners. Vendor recommendations from physicians and specialists who have firsthand knowledge of supplier reliability and clinical compatibility. Pre-existing agreements, such as our VA contracts, which inform select partnerships based on government standards and patient care continuity. Community and organizational outreach, including our active involvement with small business associations, chambers of commerce, and minority development organizations, which helps us identify certified diverse vendors aligned with our service mission. Supplier Evaluation and Certification Consideration Vendors are evaluated based on criteria including cost competitiveness, compliance with healthcare regulations, service capacity, and alignment with hospital values. While certification is not currently required for all vendors, we encourage certification from recognized agencies (e.g., Supplier Clearinghouse, California DGS, NGLCC) for diverse suppliers and are working toward integrating certification status more formally into our sourcing decisions. Contracting and Approval Selected suppliers undergo a contracting process that includes legal review, insurance verification, and, where applicable, adherence to federal contracting standards (e.g., VA alignment). Final approval is issued by the procurement or executive team depending on contract scope. Ongoing Monitoring and Relationship Management Vendor performance is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure service quality, regulatory compliance, and alignment with patient safety standards. We seek to build long-term relationships with vendors who demonstrate a commitment to quality, reliability, and equity.
Website Link(s)
Do you require suppliers to be certified?
No
Do you accept self-certification
No
7. Diverse Supplier Spending
Diverse Procurement Spending by Minority
For the reporting period, enter the dollar amounts procured by your hospital from those business enterprises that employ the majority of their workforce in California.
| Business Ownership | Tier 1 Procurement | Tier 2 Procurement | Total Procurement |
|---|---|---|---|
| African American | $10,346,881 | -- | $10,346,881 |
| Hispanic American | $1,394,546 | -- | $1,394,546 |
| Native American | $0 | -- | $0 |
| Asian Pacific | $2,025,711 | -- | $2,025,711 |
| Unknown Minority | $4,232 | -- | $4,232 |
| Total | $13,771,370 | -- | $13,771,370 |
Diverse Procurement Spending by Other
For the reporting period, enter the dollar amounts procured by your hospital from those business enterprises that employ the majority of their workforce in California.
| Business Ownership | Tier 1 Procurement | Tier 2 Procurement | Total Procurement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minority* | $13,771,370 | -- | $13,771,370 |
| Women | $788,455 | -- | $788,455 |
| LGBT | $217,064 | -- | $217,064 |
| Disabled Veteran | $0 | -- | $0 |
| Less Duplicate Amount (-) | -$1,005,519 | --- | -$1,005,519 |
| Combined Total | $13,771,370 | -- | $13,771,370 |
*Total from the Diverse Procurement Spending by Minority table.
What is your hospital's total procurement (including diverse and non-diverse suppliers)?
$28,592,809
Procurement means the purchase or lease of supplies, services, equipment, and capital expenditures related to buildings and fixed equipment during the previous calendar year. Procurement does not include items such as employee salaries and wages, fixed asset depreciation, amortization, or taxes.
8. Supplier Point of Contact
Enter the contact information for the individual that business enterprises who are interested in contracting with your facility can reach out to.
Name: Nancy Crespo
Enter the contact information for the individual of the diverse business outreach liaison of your hospital.
Name: Nancy Crespo
Hospital Contacts for Diverse Business Enterprises are available upon request. Please send request via email to supplier.diversity@hcai.ca.gov
9. Third Party Procurement
Third Party Procurement
- Community Hospital Consulting, Inc.
- ncornelious@chc.com
Looking for Related Reports?
For assistance or to provide feedback, please contact us via email at supplier.diversity@hcai.ca.gov