Diversity Vendors
Sprint Broadband Facilities Team "Walks Its’ Talk"

James R. "Jim" Williams was the natural choice for Corporate Real Estate Program Manager of Sprint’s fast-paced Broadband facilities program because he "Walks His Talk." Jim sets lofty goals, then works, with determination and vigor, to achieve them. He assembled his Broadband facilities team early in 2000 and announced a primary goal of achieving 60% diversity design and construction vendor participation. Why 60%? "I immediately set a high bar for my team in each area of project delivery, including MWBE participation, then motivate them to deliver." said Jim. Broadband’s "Speed to Market" mandate put pressure on Jim’s facility team to deliver projects in record time.

Jim has a deeply rooted appreciation for MWBE participation and opportunity since he belongs to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians of Northern Michigan and Canada. Even though he is a minority, Jim is quick to point out that he will not award work on a minority basis alone. He expects and demands, excellence and quality from all vendors. MWBE qualifications may get your foot in Jim’s door but you must deliver quality and create value to stay.

Jim’s core team is diverse, Jim as a Native American from Michigan, Tony Ways as and African American from Nebraska, and George DuBose as an Irishman from Florida. What? Irishmen from Florida don’t qualify as minorities? Well, 66.67% diversity on the core team isn’t bad, but it is not as good as his team’s record with vendors. Based on 20 projects in 19 metropolitan areas, first tier dollar value construction MWBE participation in 2000 was 73%, second tier construction participation was 51%, and first tier architect/engineer participation was 60%. Diversity participation by number of projects in 2000 was 75% first tier construction participation, 60% second tier construction participation, and 72% first tier architect/engineer participation.

Exceeding his 60% goal could never have been achieved without the enthusiastic support of his supervisor, Jerri Jensen, Group Manage, Corporate Real Estate. Tim Jones, Manager, Procurement, Construction & Related Services, Sprint SCM also provided valuable assistance. Tim provided leadership in the identification of qualified MWBE vendors in the construction arena. Michelle Robinson, Senior Supplier Diversity Administrator, Sprint SCM was also a great help and wonderful to work with. Michelle provided the spirited motivation and intuitive vendor evaluation that pushed the team toward its improbable goal. Diana Keplinger, Negotiator, Sprint SCM was also a key to the team’s success. Diana provided guidance and expertise in the complex world of contracts and administration. The facilities team is sincerely appreciative of the help and professionalism of this group and the many others that provided their help.

As the team gained experience with the selected minority vendors, they became avid supporters of Sprint’s diversity program. Without exception the selected diverse vendors delivered excellent work. Summit Construction, a woman owned construction group based in Denver, is a good example of MWBE participation. Summit has delivered projects, as far west as Seattle and San Francisco, on time and within budget. Rafael Architects, Inc., a minority design firm from Kansas City has also added value to several Broadband projects and been great to work with.

"These MWBE vendors take nothing for granted," says Jim, who goes on to say that "Actually they seem to feel that they must outperform other vendors to gain acceptance in the design and construction world." "Working with MWBE vendors has been a rewarding experience for our team and for Sprint," said Jim and "They deliver value, appreciate the opportunities, and make project delivery a positive experience in a world of otherwise adversarial attitudes."