MBN USA

October 26, 2021

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Boeing joined BDR in 2007

“We rely on the contributions of businesses that are owned by individuals of diverse backgrounds to deliver the best products with the greatest value to an increasingly diverse marketplace.” — Camille Geiger, global supplier diversity leader

Q: When did your company begin its supplier diversity program?

A: 1951.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your supplier diversity program history?

A: Boeing has had an established, formal small business and supplier diversity program in place since 1951. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we value our diverse suppliers and international business partners for the innovation and agility they bring to our supply base.

We continue to seek out and provide maximum opportunities to diverse businesses, as they are a vital part of maintaining our competitiveness in the global marketplace. Diversity is a key aspect of how Boeing does business, and diverse suppliers are a critical component. Boeing is committed to a supply base reflective of our diverse global customers. We rely on the contributions of businesses that are owned by individuals of diverse backgrounds to deliver the best products with the greatest value to an increasingly diverse marketplace. Diverse suppliers that deliver creative products and service solutions have a positive impact on our customer relationships, the business community and the population at large.

Q: Why did your company decide to become a BDR member?

A: BDR’s mission “To drive supplier diversity excellence through best practice sharing and thought leadership” aligns with our Boeing supplier diversity objectives. Our company is reviewing every aspect of our business to identify opportunities to improve performance, position for new market realities and ensure our long-term success. We continually work to strengthen our partnerships to deliver greater value to our customers. The exchange of information with BDR supplier diversity industry leaders facilitates discussions leading to new ideas, approaches and potential suppliers to grow our diverse supply chain. Working with our suppliers, we want to create the strongest, most capable and efficient global supply chain in the industry.

Q: Besides having a $1 billion annual spend with diverse suppliers, what does it take to be a BDR company?

A: Develop and implement a strategic plan and enterprise approach to supplier diversity and supplier development. The strategy should include a corporate commitment and focused company culture of including diverse suppliers in all subcontracting opportunities. While Boeing has a dedicated team of supplier diversity professionals, we promote supplier diversity advocacy throughout our internal supply chain and cross functionally with engineering, program management, corporate offices, etc.

Q: What are some best practices or lessons learned you can share with companies striving to reach the $1 billion diverse spend mark?

A: Boeing’s overall focus is supporting the development of a diverse marketplace through the development of a diverse supply chain. The company achieves this development by doing business with diverse subcontractors and suppliers. We also require these companies to do business with diverse companies as well, and we ask all Boeing subcontractors and suppliers to maintain accurate records on their supplier diversity programs. Early engagement with all business divisions and programs across Boeing enables us to identify strategic contracting opportunities for our diverse suppliers.

Boeing also seeks relationships with and promotes the use of diverse suppliers globally. So, Boeing’s subcontractors and suppliers — regardless of where they are located — are encouraged to implement a supplier diversity program by doing business with companies that are recognized as MBEs within the regions and/or countries where they conduct business.

Q: What advice do you have for MBEs interested in doing business with your company?

A: It is important for MBEs to understand Boeing’s products and services and where their capabilities align. Do the products and services meet the current needs of Boeing? Our suppliers must share our commitment to performance excellence. We look for suppliers that:

• Share Boeing’s enduring values of safety, quality and integrity, inclusion, trust and respect.

• Partner with Boeing to bring innovative and market-leading technologies and service deliveries to keep our products at the leading edge of technology and cost competitiveness.

• Have demonstrated a successful business model with a skilled management team experienced in delivering to the aerospace industry.

• Deliver comprehensive products and/or services and have a presence in our key markets.

• Are true team players open to continuous improvement.

We suggest MBEs interested in doing business with Boeing visit boeingsuppliers.com to better understand Boeing’s products, procurement practices, terms and conditions — as well as diversity and development.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of minority business development and supply chain diversity?

A: Supplier diversity is critical to Boeing’s strategic sourcing efforts in both government and commercial contracting environments. It is aligned and integrated into our supply chain and directly supports our domestic and international business development pursuits. We’re proud of our diverse supply base and committed to additional expansion. We recognize that our continued success depends on it.

To learn more about Boeing’s supplier diversity program, visit boeingsuppliers.com.