Tier II Program

• Outreach: Fastenal actively seeks diverse suppliers through business development organizations, participation in local, regional and national trade shows, and utilization of various diverse supplier directories.
• Certification: Supplier classification is verified personally by Fastenal’s Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO). Certification compliance is required in order to become part of Fastenal's Supplier Diversity Program.
• Qualification: Fastenal receives inquiries from small and diverse businesses interested in learning how to generate more business or how to join the program. Selected businesses are reviewed for consideration based on their capabilities. Qualification includes possessing third party certifications for applicable diversity classification(s).
• Utilization: Suppliers may be asked to participate in request for bids, contracts and other forms of purchases.

The Supplier Diversity team will review qualified suppliers and assist to match your company's needs to the capabilities by providing the following:

• Potential early involvement in the design and establishment of goals
• Realistic and understandable expectations
• Accurate forecasting of our anticipated needs and timely distribution of pertinent information
• Detailed Tier II usage reports including the following certifications:
  • HUBZone
  • Minority-Owned Business
  • Woman-Owned Business
  • Veteran-Owned Business
  • Service Disabled-Veteran Owned Business
  • Small Business
  • Small Disadvantaged Business

Since the first location opened in 1967, Fastenal has steadily grown to become North America's largest fastener distributor and one of the world's leading full-line industrial suppliers.

Today, we provide hundreds of thousands of manufacturers, contractors, government agencies and other customers with the supplies they need, in ways that allow them to minimize downtime and total costs.

Local service is what sets us apart. Backed by 15 regional distribution centers and a fleet of company-owned trucks, our 2,700 local branches develop strong relationships with their customers built on quality products, exceptional service and measurable business results. Fastenal customers benefit from tailored local inventory, dedicated local account reps, local deliveries, regular on-site service calls, hands-on inventory management, flexible ordering (call-in, walk-in, web, VMI), proactive cost savings ideas -- and a level of customer service that's second to none.

A key mission of Fastenal's Supplier Diversity program is to make our branches and customers aware of our small and diverse business partners, enabling clear assessments of capabilities while promoting networking opportunities in the markets we serve across North America and the world.

Qualified businesses must possess third party certification(s) for applicable Diversity classification(s). To start the review process, email suppliercert@fastenal.com, provide a brief overview of capabilities and copies of your current third party certification(s). See the listing of diversity classifications and their requirements below.

Small Businesses
A Small Business does not exceed the size standard for the product or service it is providing on the subcontract (see NAICS codes and size standard list at 13 CFR Part 121.201 via SBA NAICS codes & Size Standards).
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV.  If headquartered in California, register with the California Department of General Services.

Minority-Owned Businesses (MBE)
A small business concern which is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals -- or whose publicly traded stock is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals -- and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minority individuals.
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV and attain certification from a recognized local, regional or national third party (e.g., NMSDC).

Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE)
A small business concern which is at least 51% owned by one or more women -- or whose publicly traded stock is at least 51% owned by one or more women -- and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women. 
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV and attain certification from a recognized local, regional or national third party (e.g., WBENC, USWCC).

Small, Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB)
A small business owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual.  African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans are presumed to qualify.  Other individuals can qualify if they show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that they are disadvantaged.  All such individuals must have a net worth of less than $750,000, excluding the value of the business and personal residence.  Successful applicants must also meet applicable size standards for small businesses in their industry and display good character. 
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV and attain SBA certification. Applications and additional program information can be obtained online via the SBA or by calling the SBA toll-free at 1-800-558-0884.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone, Small Businesses (HUBZone)
Small firms located in many urban or rural areas qualify for sole-source and other types of federal contract benefits.  HUBZone stands for "historically underutilized business zone."
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV and attain SBA Certification.  More information can be accessed via the SBA or by calling the SBA toll-free at 1-800-558-0884.

Small, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB)
A small business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more service disabled veterans [as defined in 38 USC 101(16)] or the stock of which, the case of any publicly owned business, is at least 51% owned by one or more service disabled veterans.  In addition, the management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more service disabled veterans.  In the case of a permanent or severe disability, the spouse or caregiver of such a service disabled veteran may control the management and daily operations. 
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV and VetBiz.  If headquartered in California, register with the California DGS.

Small, Veteran-Owned Businesses (SVOB)
A small business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more veterans [as defined in 38 USC101(2)] or whose publicly traded stock is at least 51% owned by one or more veterans.  In addition, one or more veterans must control the management and daily business operations. 
Required Certification: Be registered on SAM.GOV and VetBiz.

As a small and diverse business, there are many resources available to provide third-party certification or verification, as well as guidance.  We also encourage businesses to get in touch with their local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).  A PTAC is an organization focused on helping local businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace and align with large corporations like Fastenal.  Listed below are more organizations that can help with certification needs:

• The Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC)
• Central Contractors Registration
• National Minority Supplier Diversity Council
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council
• U.S Women's Chamber of Commerce
• U.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs (VetBiz)
• The U.S. Small Business Administration

For more information on our Supplier Diversity program, contact: suppliercert@fastenal.com