Tap IN Supplier Development/Strategic Outreach
The Office of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion provides numerous resources for our suppliers in support of their continuous development as sustainable diverse and small, local businesses.
Applications Open: Rising TIDE Contractor Readiness Accelerator
Take your business readiness to the next level. The no-cost Rising TIDE Contractor Readiness Accelerator is an intensive, cohort-based program designed to help businesses build the practical capabilities needed to pursue opportunities and successfully perform on contracts.
Selected businesses will participate in five hybrid working sessions featuring individualized coaching, practical business tools, expert feedback and direct industry engagement.
Application deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026
Complete the Application to join this program now
Build Your Readiness with Rising TIDE
Rising TIDE provides businesses with training, practical resources and consultation opportunities to strengthen their readiness to pursue and perform on WSSC Water contract opportunities.
Free Online Training and Resources
Access free, self-paced training videos and practical resources, including a proposal development guide, compliance checklist, guidance on reading solicitations and contract management best practices.
Explore Free Online Training and Resources
Friday Vendor Training and Consultations
Rising TIDE offers vendor training and consultations every Friday. Businesses may schedule a session to ask questions, receive guidance and connect with practical resources.
The Office of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion hosts a series of in-depth educational and training seminars throughout the fiscal year.
Types of Events We Host:
| NAME OF EVENT | BRIEF DESCRIPTION |
| Understanding the Appendix A and Good Faith Efforts Guide Training | To help vendors/suppliers understand the information presented in the Appendix A solicitation document and how to prepare their response to the requested MBE/SLBE participation requirements. |
| Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Technical Assistance Workshop | To assist vendors interested in becoming an approved SLBE in the Commission’s Program. |
| How to Navigate WSSC Water's Supplier Portal | To assist firms with registering in WSSC Water’s Supplier Portal, navigating the Supplier Portal, uploading MBE Certification Letters, researching past solicitations and viewing registered suppliers. |
| Solicitation 101 | To educate firms on WSSC Water's solicitation process and give tips on how to submit a quality and compliant proposal. |
Office of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Supplier Appointments
Meetings with suppliers are held the second Thursday of each month. Meeting times are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
All suppliers wishing to schedule a meeting with the Office of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion must email the office at [email protected].
Strategic Outreach
The Office of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion continues to cultivate and expand relationships with the business community and professional and trade organizations. Our strategic outreach efforts are targeted to prepare the market and develop the base of diverse suppliers needed to support WSSC Water’s supply chain.
Contact the Office of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion at [email protected] to invite us to participate in your upcoming event or for a list of the events we are hosting and attending this month.
Procurement/OSDI-Hosted Outreach Events
View our Recent Outreach Events
Last Modified: August 4, 2026, 3:49 pm EDT