Procurement

PURPOSE
The Kentucky Lottery Corporation (KLC) believes that the well-being of both our organization and the Commonwealth of Kentucky depends on providing all people with the opportunity to share in the Commonwealth's economic development. Therefore, the overall objective of the KLC Equal Business Opportunity Program is to develop meaningful business relationships with Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs/WBEs) to enable the businesses to participate in and benefit from the various economic opportunities afforded by the KLC.

PHILOSOPHY
The KLC has long recognized the value and importance of developing business relationships with diverse business enterprises. We have an established record of partnership with various MBEs/WBEs and organizations representing their interests, such as the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council and Business and Professional Women. The Equal Business Opportunity Program is a part of the KLC's continuing effort to create and encourage lasting relationships with all segments of the Commonwealth's diverse business community. By registering with the KLC as a certified MBE or WBE under the Equal Business Opportunity Program, your business will be able to take advantage of special training and assistance to encourage MBE/WBE participation in the KLC's procurement process. Certified MBEs and WBEs will also be placed on special source lists which will be used by the KLC in soliciting procurements and in identifying opportunities for subcontractor relationships with existing or prospective Suppliers.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The KLC welcomes all certified MBEs/WBEs. "Certified" means a bona-fide minority or woman owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) that is recognized by the KLC as being at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a member or members of an MBE/WBE group. MBE/WBE ownership must be real in form and substance. The Purchasing Department will require a minority certificate along with your application before approval is granted to do business with KLC as a certified MBE/WBE supplier. The KLC accepts certification from local entities such as the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC), Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Small and Minority Business Division, Small Business Administration (SBA) and any other entity that is accredited for certification. Examples of procurement opportunities available to MBEs & WBEs are as follows.

KENTUCKY LOTTERY CORPORATION OPEN DOOR PROGRAM

OVERVIEW
The Kentucky Lottery Corporation is dedicated to leveling the playing field when it comes to procurement practices. In 1993, the KLC implemented a Supplier Diversity program to improve business relationships with Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women Businesses Enterprises (WBE). The Lottery is a corporate member of the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC).  Currently, there are close to 300 Minority and Women-owned businesses in KLC’s database. For the past five years, the Lottery has maintained an average of 10% minority procurement in its overall purchases.

OPEN DOOR PROGRAM
On a quarterly basis, we will feature a minority owned business in our employee newsletter. The goal is to make employees with purchasing power aware of the minority businesses in our community and around the state. This is also our way to re-enforce the KLC's commitment to supplier diversity with our employees.

After the article is published in our newsletter, we will then invite the minority/woman owned business to the Lottery. The MBE/WBE will have an opportunity to meet with the buyer and/or a representative from the user department with purchasing power. This is an opportunity for you to "sell" your business to a potential client.

We cannot promise this opportunity will end in a contract with the Kentucky Lottery, but this is a way to get your foot in the door and anything could happen then. Please contact Linda Sanders at 502-560-1769 if you are interested in participating in our Open Door program.