Supplier Diversity FAQs

Q. How would you describe FirstEnergy's Supplier Diversity Program?

A. FirstEnergy’s Supply Chain plays a significant role in the growth and development of diverse suppliers. We make sure that qualified suppliers are encouraged and provided the opportunity to share their capabilities with us through our participation in supplier diversity outreach events and in our Diverse Supplier Development Program.


Q. What is the best method for a small and diverse firm to start a business relationship with a FirstEnergy company?

A. Please register your company with FirstEnergy by going to https://firstenergycorp.com/content/fecorp/supplychain/supplier_registration.html and follow the Supplier Registration Instructions to register in PowerAdvocate.


Q. How do people who purchase goods and services for FirstEnergy know about its diversity sourcing commitment?

A. Sourcing personnel and many end users at FirstEnergy are trained on our Supplier Diversity Program every year.  In addition, all sourcing personnel have search capabilities on the FirstEnergy Supplier Registration site and can access company profiles by keyword or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) search.


Q. I used to do business with one of the companies that now make up FirstEnergy. Does that matter?

A. FirstEnergy is interested in the past experience of any firm that is interested in renewing a business relationship with us. Please note any past relationship with a FirstEnergy company on your registration form. Sourcing decisions will be based on a review of all pertinent information provided.


Q. Does FirstEnergy have minority set-asides or spend quotas?

A. FirstEnergy does not have set-asides or spend quotas. We are interested in locating, qualifying and doing business with the very best suppliers available.


Q. How does FirstEnergy source diverse suppliers in the communities it serves?

A. FirstEnergy actively supports supplier diversity initiatives at the federal, state and local level. We collaborate with various diversity-related advocacy organizations throughout our service territory. Some of the organizations we work with include:

  • Edison Electric Institute's Business Diversity Council
  • Women's Business Enterprise Council – East
  • Women's Business Enterprise Council – Ohio River Valley
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC)
  • Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC)
  • Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC)
  • Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC)
  • New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council (NY&NJMSDC)
  • Cleveland Commission on Economic Partnership & Inclusion
  • Cleveland BLACKPages
  • Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association
  • HUBZone Contractors National Council, Inc.
  • National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
  • Utility Industry Group (UIG)
  • Hispanic Business Association Chamber of Commerce
  • Veteran’s In Business Network
  • Current list of organizations as of 03/20/2023.