Affymetrix seeks the best quality, value and service, at the best cost, from all of our suppliers. It is our desire to select the supplier who delivers the best overall value; value that consist of competitive pricing, technological foresight, information management, and continuous and proactive support of products and services.
We are committed to actively seeking goods and services from minority, women, physically challenged and small businesses. We strive to enhance our supplier base to reflect the markets we service.
Affymetrix defines diverse businesses as minority, women-owned, veteran-owned, physically challenged or small businesses meeting the following criteria:

Minority Businesses
Minority business enterprises (MBE's) are defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by a minority individual or group. Under this definition, minority group members include African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans (i.e. American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians), and Polynesian Americans. Also included are multi-ethnic businesses, where no one specific group has a 51% ownership or control of the business but, in aggregate, the groups exceed the 51% rule.

Women Businesses
Women business enterprises (WBE's) are defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by one or more women.

Physically Challenged Businesses
To qualify as a physically challenged business (DBE) an enterprise must be either: A) at least 51% owned by one or more physically challenged individuals, B) a subsidiary that is wholly owned by a parent corporation with at least 51% of the parent corporation voting stock owned by one or more physically challenged individuals, or C) a joint venture in which at least 51% of the management, control and earnings are held by one or more physically challenged individuals.

Small Businesses
Small businesses are defined as concerns that have a number of employees and/or average annual receipts not exceeding the size standards as defined under the Federal Acquisitions Regulations.

Validation of a supplier's diverse status is required for participation in the Affymetrix Supplier Diversity Program. Certification documents from the following qualified agencies are acceptable:

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or its affiliates
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBENC)
United States Small Business Administration (SBA)
City, State, or Federal Certification Agencies