Supplier Enablement, Engagement, and Development (SEED): Frequently Asked Questions

No, we work with organizations of all sizes, as long as they meet our qualification requirements and offer the services or functions we need.

If you’re a qualified small business, our SEED team will support you, and any contracts you receive will count toward our small business program spend. We also report small business expenditures to the federal government.

We follow the U.S. Small Business Administration’s definition: An independent business with typically less than 500 employees.

For industry-level small business size standards used in government programs and contracting, see the Table of Size Standards.

Supplier Gateway is the online registration portal for SEED. It helps us track small businesses interested in working with Con Edison and gives us the initial information we need to start your assessment and onboarding. Plus, if you’re awarded a contract with Con Edison, you’ll use Supplier Gateway to report your second-tier small business spending.

Our SEED team is here to help small businesses get started. Email the SEED team and we’ll connect you with the right person.

The supplier self-certification form confirms your small business status based on SBA size standards. The primary use of the form is to allow a vendor to self-identify its business size and classification. This allows Con Edison, as recipient of federal funding, to ensure we’re complying with small business federal regulations.

A vendor self-certification is valid for one year and must be updated annually. The vendor is responsible for notifying the company of any changes to its status.

We don’t keep a public list, but we have a qualification process that varies by business industry classification.

For construction-related work, you must be an approved Con Edison supplier before you can be invited to bid on construction-related bid opportunities.

No, you don’t need third-party certifications to work with us, although it can be helpful. We understand the process can present challenges for many suppliers, so it’s not required.

Here are some organizations that offer certification and resources:
• Empire State Development of NY (ESD)
• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
• Disability:IN

These organizations provide valuable services and access to opportunities. Visit their websites to learn more about each agency and how to get certified as a diverse business.

 

Use the Small Business Administration’s size standards tool. 

It depends on the status of your supplier profile.

 • If your organization has already completed the Third-Party Risk Assessment (TPRA) process, no further action is required.
 • If you have not, you must do so to qualify for new contracts.

If necessary, contact the SEED team to confirm your current TPRA status.

Note: Please ensure your profile and capabilities remain up to date.

You’ll either receive confirmation of approval or a request for additional information.

Yes, please note on your application that you’re interested in working with all subsidiaries, including Orange & Rockland (O&R).
 

No, our contracts and Request for Quotes (RFQs) are not posted publicly. You must receive an invitation from our Supply Chain team to bid.

Small businesses can connect with prime suppliers through SEED. Our team can introduce you to potential partners and help prime vendors find qualified small businesses. We also encourage you to participate in outreach events, networking forums, and capability briefings to stay connected.

The pace and scale of growth in the energy and utilities industry continues to accelerate, driving a greater need for a robust and adaptable supplier network. To meet this demand, we require increased partnerships with all businesses.

Small businesses, in particular, bring agility, innovation, and specialized capabilities that are essential to supporting our evolving operations. Partnering with these businesses helps us to scale effectively while also strengthening our commitment to inclusive and sustainable business practices.

Email the SEED team and we’ll make sure to connect you to someone who can answer your question.