Hospital Supplier Diversity Plans

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): We are currently conducting a baseline spend analysis to identify current procurement levels with diverse suppliers. 2. Develop a Reporting Framework (Q4): 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 – Q2): 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

L.A. Downtown Medical Center continues to build upon the long-term supplier diversity goals and timetable reported in the prior year. The hospital’s approach remains focused on increasing awareness, improving internal processes, and expanding access to procurement opportunities for women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises. These goals are not quotas, but are intended to support continued progress toward a more inclusive and transparent procurement process. Continued Development of Inclusive Procurement Practices — 2026–2027 LADMC continues to work toward incorporating inclusive procurement language and supplier diversity considerations into purchasing policies, vendor review practices, and standard operating procedures. During this reporting period, the hospital continued evaluating opportunities to make supplier diversity a more consistent part of routine purchasing decisions when qualified vendors are available and meet operational needs. Ongoing Outreach and Vendor Identification — 2026–2028 LADMC remains committed to expanding its outreach efforts to identify qualified women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises. The hospital continues to explore opportunities to connect with local, regional, and statewide supplier diversity organizations, certification agencies, and community-based vendor networks. These efforts are intended to improve awareness of available diverse suppliers and support broader vendor participation in hospital procurement opportunities. Strengthening Internal Tracking and Reporting — 2027 LADMC is continuing to develop internal methods for identifying, tracking, and reviewing procurement activity involving certified diverse business enterprises. While the hospital’s tracking capabilities remain under development, LADMC is working to improve the collection and review of vendor information to support future reporting and program evaluation. Exploration of Tier 2 Reporting — 2027–2028 LADMC continues to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a Tier 2 reporting process with prime contractors and major vendors. The hospital recognizes that subcontracting and secondary purchasing opportunities may provide an additional pathway to support diverse supplier participation. This effort remains in development and will depend on vendor cooperation, contract structure, system capabilities, and available data. Technology and Procurement System Improvements — 2027–2029 As LADMC reviews and updates procurement systems and internal processes, the hospital will continue exploring technology solutions that may support supplier diversity efforts. Long-term objectives include improving the hospital’s ability to identify certified diverse suppliers, maintain vendor information, track procurement activity, and support more efficient vendor onboarding. Continuous Improvement and Annual Review — Ongoing LADMC will continue assessing its supplier diversity efforts through internal review and annual HCAI reporting. The hospital remains committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and the ongoing refinement of its supplier diversity practices as additional resources, data, and vendor information become available. LADMC’s long-term goal is to develop a sustainable supplier diversity framework that supports equitable access to procurement opportunities while meeting the hospital’s operational, quality, and compliance needs.

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 supports 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 its ability to become a supplier. 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. 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.

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 continues to build upon the relevant recommendations made by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission. The hospital remains committed to advancing equity, access, and transparency within its procurement practices and has continued to use the Commission’s recommendations as a framework for strengthening its supplier diversity efforts. 1. Continued Use of Supplier Diversity Policy Guidance LADMC continues to rely on its supplier diversity policy statement to guide procurement-related decision-making and promote inclusive practices across departments. This policy remains an important foundation for communicating the hospital’s commitment to increasing access and opportunity for women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises. 2. Ongoing Leadership Oversight and Accountability LADMC has maintained designated leadership oversight for supplier diversity efforts. The supplier diversity lead continues to support implementation activities, coordinate internal review, and promote accountability for supplier diversity goals. This structure supports the Commission’s recommendation that hospitals assign responsibility for diversity performance and ongoing program development. 3. Continued Efforts to Improve Procurement Access and Transparency LADMC continues to evaluate ways to improve supplier access to procurement opportunities. The hospital has worked to include diverse suppliers in bid notifications when feasible, review opportunities to unbundle larger contracts where appropriate, and improve visibility of procurement opportunities through internal and external communication channels. These efforts are intended to support a more open and inclusive procurement process. 4. Development of Tracking and Reporting Practices LADMC is continuing to strengthen its internal tracking and reporting practices related to diverse supplier participation. While some reporting capabilities remain under development, the hospital is working to improve its ability to collect vendor information, identify certified diverse suppliers, and review procurement activity in support of annual HCAI reporting. 5. Continuous Improvement Based on Commission Recommendations As additional recommendations, guidance, and best practices emerge from the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission, LADMC will continue reviewing its policies and procurement practices for opportunities to improve. The hospital remains committed to expanding partnerships with diverse suppliers, increasing transparency, and developing a sustainable supplier diversity program that reflects the values of equity, access, and opportunity.

Please describe the planned implementation of relevant recommendations made by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission

L.A. Downtown Medical Center continues to plan for the implementation of relevant recommendations made by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission. While certain activities are already underway, other initiatives remain in the planning or development phase as the hospital evaluates available resources, internal processes, vendor data, and procurement system capabilities. Action Plan and Timeline LADMC will continue developing short- and long-term goals to increase procurement opportunities for women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises. These goals are intended to guide the hospital’s supplier diversity efforts over time and support continued progress without establishing quotas. Voluntary Guidelines Adoption LADMC intends to continue reviewing the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission’s voluntary guidelines and best practices to determine how they can be incorporated into the hospital’s purchasing policies and procurement procedures. As appropriate, the hospital will use these recommendations to strengthen access, transparency, and inclusion in vendor selection practices. Review of Contract Requirements and Barriers LADMC plans to further evaluate contract requirements that may create barriers for smaller or diverse suppliers, including requirements related to insurance, bonding, documentation, and contract size. Where feasible and consistent with hospital operational, legal, compliance, and patient care needs, LADMC will consider revisions that may reduce unnecessary barriers to participation. Leadership and Accountability Structures LADMC plans to continue strengthening leadership oversight for supplier diversity efforts, including maintaining responsibility for policy implementation, internal coordination, and progress review. The hospital will continue evaluating opportunities to involve executive-level leadership in supporting supplier diversity goals and promoting accountability across relevant departments. Supplier Outreach and Engagement LADMC intends to expand efforts to identify and engage qualified diverse suppliers through outreach, vendor research, and potential collaboration with local, regional, and statewide supplier diversity organizations. These efforts are intended to increase awareness of procurement opportunities and improve access for certified diverse business enterprises. Tracking, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement LADMC will continue working toward improved internal tracking and reporting of diverse supplier participation. As additional data becomes available and internal systems develop, the hospital plans to use this information to evaluate progress, support annual HCAI reporting, and refine future supplier diversity initiatives. LADMC remains committed to implementing relevant recommendations from the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission in a practical and sustainable manner. The hospital will continue to review emerging guidance and best practices while developing processes that support equity, access, transparency, and responsible procurement.

6. Procurement Process and Certification

Please describe your hospital's procurement process

L.A. Downtown Medical Center’s procurement process continues to be grounded in transparency, clinical quality, operational need, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of hospital resources. The hospital follows a structured process for identifying, evaluating, approving, and contracting with suppliers, while continuing to strengthen inclusion and supplier diversity considerations within procurement practices. Needs Identification and Clinical Input Procurement needs are generally identified by department leaders, clinicians, administrative stakeholders, and operational teams based on patient care needs, quality standards, regulatory requirements, supply availability, and hospital operations. Requests for new products, services, or suppliers may arise from clinical recommendations, physician input, quality assurance review, operational necessity, or replacement of existing supplies or services. Supplier Identification LADMC identifies potential suppliers through multiple channels, including existing vendor relationships, clinical and physician recommendations, referrals from trusted healthcare partners, pre-existing agreements, and market research. The hospital may also consider vendors identified through community outreach, small business associations, chambers of commerce, minority business organizations, and other supplier diversity networks. These efforts support the hospital’s goal of expanding awareness of qualified vendors, including women, minority, LGBT, and disabled veteran business enterprises. Supplier Evaluation Potential suppliers are evaluated based on factors such as product or service quality, cost competitiveness, reliability, service capacity, regulatory compliance, insurance and documentation requirements, operational compatibility, and ability to meet patient care and hospital needs. Where applicable, LADMC also considers whether vendors hold certifications from recognized certifying entities for diverse business enterprises. While certification is not required for all vendors, the hospital continues working toward improved identification and consideration of certified diverse suppliers in the procurement process. Contracting and Approval Selected suppliers proceed through the hospital’s contracting and approval process, which may include administrative review, legal review, insurance verification, compliance review, and evaluation of contract terms. Depending on the type, value, and operational impact of the contract, final approval may involve department leadership, procurement personnel, executive leadership, or other appropriate hospital representatives. Supplier Diversity Considerations LADMC continues to incorporate supplier diversity considerations into its procurement practices where feasible. This includes identifying diverse suppliers, encouraging certification where appropriate, considering opportunities to include diverse vendors in bid notifications, and evaluating ways to reduce unnecessary barriers to participation while maintaining quality, compliance, and patient care standards. Ongoing Development and Improvement LADMC’s procurement process continues to evolve as the hospital improves internal tracking, vendor identification, and reporting capabilities. The hospital remains committed to strengthening transparency, access, compliance, and inclusion within procurement while ensuring that purchasing decisions continue to support safe, effective, and high-quality patient care.

Website Link(s)

https://ladowntownmc.com/

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.

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.

What is your hospital's total procurement (including diverse and non-diverse suppliers)?

$28,263,361

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
• jhill@chc.com

Looking for Related Reports?

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