Click here to read our CEO’s letter of support

Research shows the business value and economic relevance of a proactive supply chain diversity initiative to the economic success of corporation and communities. A strong  diverse supplier base increases the breadth and depth of available suppliers; creates more competition, providing a greater selection of competitive service providers; and adds jobs, strengthening the economy. For Vistra companies, further value of Supply Chain Diversity can be directly linked to the business goals of each respective business.

Potential and existing large commercial customers recognize the value of supply chain diversity to their success. These customers want suppliers who share their commitment and they establish weighted values for supply chain diversity performance within the RFP process. Supply chain diversity success gives our companies a distinct competitive advantage. In addition, with respect to small commercial and residential customers, research shows that consumers in growing numbers, when informed about a company’s positive work in the supplier diversity arena, will select that company as a supplier.

A diverse, robust supply chain is as integral to business success as the quality of people and the quality of technology. Inclusion of diverse business enterprises and small businesses in the our sourcing process helps build quality processes; enhances completion for corporate economic strength; and strengthens each community where there is a company presence. From a regulatory, licensing and legislative perspective, a positive record of inclusion can be significant in determining a company’s true commitment to corporate responsibility and citizenship.

The focus of Supply Chain is to provide a continuous supply of cost effective, qualify goods and services with emphasis on safety, ethics, value, and the environment. Vistra only procures goods and services from qualified suppliers and contractors and is committed to using and developing companies owned by Ethnic Minorities, Women, Veterans, LGBTQ+ and Disabled Individuals as well as small businesses. Through our diverse supply base, reflecting the communities where we reside and serve, Vistra enhances overall cost savings, avoided costs, retention of market share, and increased market share.

By supporting the development of small businesses and diverse firms, the Company actively seeks qualified Minority, Women, Veteran, LGBT and Disability-owned Businesses Enterprises with which to do business and endeavors to assist these businesses with their development. The Company also participates in activities, organizations, and programs which promote such enterprises. In addition, the Company provides maximum practicable opportunities to companies with the federal designation of small business, small disadvantaged business, small women-owned businesses, small businesses located in HUBZones, and small businesses owned by Veterans and by Service-Disabled Veterans.

Administration and implementation of this Policy is the responsibility of all organizations throughout the Company. This Policy cannot address every situation related to the title subject. Other relevant material can include, and is not limited to, other policies and principles, Business Unit or work-area procedures, and laws and regulations.

Email: supplier.diversity@vistracorp.com

Email: smallbusinesssupport@vistracorp.com

1. Women Business Enterprise Certification – Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (wbenc.org)
2. Minority Business Enterprise Certification – National Minority Supplier Development Council  (nmsdc.org)
3. Veteran Business Enterprise Certification – National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA.com)
4. National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (nglcc.org)
5. Disability:IN (disabilityin.org)
6. US Small Business Administration (https://www.sba.gov/contracting/getting-started-contractor/register-government-contracting)

 * In addition to the national business councils listed above, regional affiliate information can be accessed directly from their websites.

Supply Chain Diversity at Vistra is a corporate wide initiative supported from the Board and C-Suite levels down. This level of executive support fosters a culture of inclusion in both our supply chain and workforce. We are committed to providing the maximum practicable opportunity for diverse and small business to participate in our bid opportunities, including firms 51 percent or more owned, controlled, and operated by ethnic minorities, women, veterans, service disabled veterans, LGBTQ+, Disabled Individuals, and small businesses. Vistra believes in proactively inviting and capitalizing on diverse opinions, perspectives, and experiences to make us a more competitive and profitable company.

What categories are included in the Vistra Small and Diverse Business Initiatives?

Small & Diverse Supplier categories include:

• Minority Business Enterprises
• Woman Business Enterprises
• Veteran Business Enterprises
• Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses Enterprises
• LGBTQ+ Business Enterprises
• Disability Owned Business Enterprises
• All Small Businesses as defined by the US Small Business Administration
• HUBZone Certified Businesses

Does Vistra require certification?

• For Diverse Suppliers to be part of our Supply Chain Diversity Initiative, we do require third party certification by an entity that certifies based on 49 CFR Part 26 standards and conducts 100 percent site visits. Additionally, we request (but do not require) WBENC, NMSDC, NaVOBA, NGLCC and Disability:IN certifications and utilize those databases for our sourcing events.
• For our Small Businesses category, we require self-attestation through the completion of a Supplier Status Profile form upon award of business with us.

Does Vistra have a separate Supplier Diversity Registry or Portal?

• We do not.
• We use the following databases to meet our “Rule of AT LEAST One” small and diverse supplier inclusion for all bid opportunities:
  • WBENCLink
  • NMSDC Central
  • NaVOBA
  • NGLCC
  • Disability:IN
  • SBA Dynamic Small Business Search
• While we will accept self-attestation for small business and other third party certifications upon approval for M/W/DVBE’s, we utilize the above listed databases as our sourcing tools.

What steps should I take to become a supplier to Vistra?

Via e-mail, provide your Capabilities Statement along with a list of current/recent contracts (highlighting any that pertain specifically to our business) and any additional relevant materials that would assist us in advocating on your behalf with our internal decision makers. THEN follow up with a phone call to see if there might be any opportunities or next steps. THEN BE PATIENT but persistent.

Do you have a Multi-Tier Initiative?

• We do and will provide introductions to our Prime Suppliers where there might be additional opportunities.

How do I contact someone from Supply Chain Diversity?

Via e-mail, provide your Capabilities Statement along with a list of current/recent contracts (highlighting any that pertain specifically to our business) and any additional relevant materials that would assist us in advocating on your behalf with our internal decision makers. THEN follow up with a phone call to see if there might be any opportunities or next steps. THEN BE PATIENT but persistent.

Do you have a Multi-Tier Initiative?

• We do and will provide introductions to our Prime Suppliers where there might be additional opportunities.

How does Vistra define Supply Chain Sustainability?

• Vistra Supply Chain Sustainability is inclusive of all pillars of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) and how they reflect our  commitment to promote environmental progress, diversity, human rights, fair labor practices, anti-corruption policies and transparency across our supply chain. Vistra is focused on integrating sustainable choices into supply chain management and are eager to partner with our suppliers in their journey toward sustainability.

Are we required to fill out the Annual Supply Chain Sustainability Assessment to do business with Vistra?

• No, you are not required to fill out the assessment, but it could potentially create a competitive advantage

How do I learn more about Supply Chain Sustainability?

• Go to our Supply Chain Sustainability website for examples and best practices.  Email supplychainsustainability@vistracorp.com to get added to our quarterly calls.

How do I contact someone from Supply Chain Diversity?

Email: supplier.diversity@vistracorp.com

Email: smallbusinesssupport@vistracorp.com

At Vistra, we recognize that a successful and innovative supply chain diversity initiative not only enhances the economic development of communities, but strengthens Vistra’s competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Inaugurated in 2017, Vistra’s Nexus Awards were launched to recognize the success of our diverse and small-business supply chain partners. These companies assist us with legislative initiatives and customer requests and create a successful environment for Vistra’s corporate objectives.

For profiles on our 2024 award winners, please watch the videos below.

2024 Nexus Awards – Highlights

MYCA – Diverse Supplier of the Year

Group O – Diverse Supplier of the Year

TIMSCO – Diverse Supplier of the Year

Spinakr – Small Supplier of the Year

Blankenship Construction – Small Supplier of the Year

Click here for Supply Chain Sustainability Resources