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MWMCA Interviews Valerie Shearer from FirstEnergy

We are constantly looking for companies that can provide “core” and general utility services such as, transmission and distribution construction services, substation construction, vegetation management, right-of-way clearing, general contractors, roofing contractors, landscaping and snow removal.
Valerie Shearer, Consultant, Supplier Diversity, FirstEnergy

 

1. Please tell us about your role with First Energy and Potomac Edison and how they are connected? 
I am responsible for driving the strategy, planning, organizing, implementation and reporting of the corporate commitment to supplier diversity.  In addition, I partner with stakeholders across all business units and functions to advocate for the growth of diverse suppliers within our utilities while working to ensure diverse supplier inclusion within category and sourcing strategies.  
a. FirstEnergy is the parent company and Potomac Edison, headquartered in Williamsport, MD, which is one of 10 regulated distribution companies in the FirstEnergy electric system.
2. How can one get connected and register with First Energy? And will that connect one with Potomac Edison too?  
Those that are interested in doing business with our companies, can register at www.FirstEnergyCorp.com.  Click on Supply Chain – click on Supplier Registration – and follow the Supplier Registration Instructions to register in PowerAdvocate.  Submitting your information into PowerAdvocate will connect interested parties with opportunities at all of our operating companies.
3. What types of diverse supplier certifications are acceptable to be classified as a diverse supplier? And does one have to be pre-qualified by you to do business with you? If so, what are the qualifications? 
We currently recognize 8 diverse classifications that align with our diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy: minority-, women-, service-disabled veteran-, HUBZone, veteran-, LGBTQ-, disability-, and small disadvantaged owned businesses. We encourage our diverse suppliers to have a third-party certification, but we do not require it. The exception to the rule is HUBZone companies. They are required to be certified by the Small Business Administration.
4. What areas within the supply chain that will be seeking diverse supplier spend in 2022? 
We are constantly looking for companies that can provide “core” and general utility services such as, transmission and distribution construction services, substation construction, vegetation management, right-of-way clearing, general contractors, roofing contractors, landscaping and snow removal.
And how will one be able to learn about them prior to bid acceptance?  Unfortunately, we do not post our opportunities on any website or portal.  Once suppliers are registered our sourcing professionals are able to contact them directly for bid opportunities based on the core capabilities supplier have indicated in their profile.
5. Please tell us about First Energy/Potomac Edison’s involvement with US HUBZone certified businesses in Maryland?  
The HUBZone Council is a national non-profit trade association comprised of companies and organizations working together to improve and support both the HUBZone program and small business community. They promote and advocate for improvements in the HUBZone program and provide assistance for HUBZone-certified small businesses to compete in the federal marketplace, as well as contribute to the economic development of our nation’s most distressed areas. The Council represents hundreds of small businesses providing a diverse range of services to the federal government.  The HUBZone Council is just one of the organizations that FirstEnergy supports as a way to increase opportunities for small businesses within underserved communities.
6. How can one contact you? 
I can be reached by submitting an email to supplierdiversity@firstenergycorp.com please link your website and attach any electronic brochures/line cards that would assist our team in evaluating your company capabilities.

1. Please tell us about your role with FirstEnergy and Potomac Edison and how they are connected? 

 

I am responsible for driving the strategy, planning, organizing, implementation and reporting of the corporate commitment to supplier diversity.  In addition, I partner with stakeholders across all business units and functions to advocate for the growth of diverse suppliers within our utilities while working to ensure diverse supplier inclusion within category and sourcing strategies.  

 

a. FirstEnergy is the parent company and Potomac Edison, headquartered in Williamsport, MD, which is one of 10 regulated distribution companies in the FirstEnergy electric system.


2. How can one get connected and register with FirstEnergy? And will that connect one with Potomac Edison too?  

 

Those that are interested in doing business with our companies, can register at www.FirstEnergyCorp.com.  Click on Supply Chain – click on Supplier Registration – and follow the Supplier Registration Instructions to register in PowerAdvocate.  Submitting your information into PowerAdvocate will connect interested parties with opportunities at all of our operating companies.


3. What types of diverse supplier certifications are acceptable to be classified as a diverse supplier? And does one have to be pre-qualified by you to do business with you? If so, what are the qualifications? 


We currently recognize 8 diverse classifications that align with our diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy: minority-, women-, service-disabled veteran-, HUBZone, veteran-, LGBTQ-, disability-, and small disadvantaged owned businesses. We encourage our diverse suppliers to have a third-party certification, but we do not require it. The exception to the rule is HUBZone companies. They are required to be certified by the Small Business Administration.


4. What areas within the supply chain that will be seeking diverse supplier spend in 2022? 

 

We are constantly looking for companies that can provide “core” and general utility services such as, transmission and distribution construction services, substation construction, vegetation management, right-of-way clearing, general contractors, roofing contractors, landscaping and snow removal.
And how will one be able to learn about them prior to bid acceptance?  Unfortunately, we do not post our opportunities on any website or portal.  Once suppliers are registered our sourcing professionals are able to contact them directly for bid opportunities based on the core capabilities supplier have indicated in their profile.

 

5. Please tell us about FirstEnergy/Potomac Edison’s involvement with US HUBZone certified businesses in Maryland?  

 

The HUBZone Council is a national non-profit trade association comprised of companies and organizations working together to improve and support both the HUBZone program and small business community. They promote and advocate for improvements in the HUBZone program and provide assistance for HUBZone-certified small businesses to compete in the federal marketplace, as well as contribute to the economic development of our nation’s most distressed areas. The Council represents hundreds of small businesses providing a diverse range of services to the federal government.  The HUBZone Council is just one of the organizations that FirstEnergy supports as a way to increase opportunities for small businesses within underserved communities.

 

6. How can one contact you? 


I can be reached by submitting an email to supplierdiversity@firstenergycorp.com please link your website and attach any electronic brochures/line cards that would assist our team in evaluating your company capabilities.
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