Merck's Supplier Diversity Council (SDC), a team of procurement professionals from various commodity groups, manages the company's Supplier Diversity Process. The SDC promotes and facilitates Supplier Diversity at Merck and links it to the company's strategic procurement plans. The SDC is responsible for administering and communicating our Supplier Diversity program and procurement plans to Merck employees as well as to suppliers and other external organizations.

To initiate the Supplier Diversity Process, the SDC conducts outreach efforts to new and prospective suppliers. This is done through attendance, sponsorship and promotions at trade shows, and active membership in national and local minority organizations, such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council, as well as in women's and Hispanic organizations. Merck conducts outreach efforts through this Supplier Diversity Web Site and by advertising in Minority and Women's Business Enterprise publications. Merck uses external databases, both electronic and traditional, to identify prospective suppliers as well.

	Merck contacted via Cold Call, Web Page, Trade Show, Mail or Referral Prospective Suppliers can contact the Supplier Diversity Office at any time about the qualification process or any other information

Merck encourages suppliers to register their Company. Please click on the contact us button, which is the supplier diversity e-mail address. (supplier_diversity@merck.com) and provide the following information: Company Information Company Name Address Phone Number Fax Number Company Capabilities A detailed description of goods and/or services your company can provide Contact Information Name Title E-mail Address Certification Information Certification Description Status Registration does not approve a prospective supplier. Supplier's capabilities must be evaluated with respect to Merck's needs and requirements. This is done as part of the assessment phase, which follows. Merck will acknowledge all inquiries and contact the supplier after an assessment is done.

	Supplier information will be referred to the SDC member representing the appropriate commodity area.
	The SDC member will assess the supplier's capabilities with respect to commodity plans and will advise the global procurement manager.
	The SDC member will communicate the business opportunity potential to the supplier.

Once approved, the supplier may be considered by Merck as a potential candidate for new business projects. (Note: Ultimate supplier selection often occurs as a result of a Request for Proposal process, which has its own set of decision criteria.) Acceptance as a potential supplier to Merck and placement in the SDC database does not guarantee business with Merck. As part of the program, the Merck SDC will communicate the business skills necessary for success in working with Merck.

	Continued supplier success depends on performance. Customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, supplier conduct and ability to operate within Merck business systems are all key factors. If selected, supplier status does not guarantee any minimum amount of business or profit.