Supplier Diversity

Our Commitment
Northwestern Mutual supports the economic development of diverse enterprises. Our commitment to reach out to the community is an integral part of our daily operations. Northwestern Mutual's Supplier Diversity program offers opportunities for diverse enterprises to compete on an equal basis with other suppliers. The key to a successful partnership with our company is to provide quality products and services at the lowest cost of ownership overall; thus maximizing the value to our policy owners. Our sourcing events contribute to a diverse supplier base that foster competition and generate additional purchasing power in our local community.

Qualifications
If you are a certified diverse business enterprise (see qualifications and definitions that follow) and are interested in supplying goods or services to Northwestern Mutual we invite you to register your business through our online third party service.
Certification is required through one of the
following organizations:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Small Business Administration/Federal Government Agency
• State and local governmental certifying agencies

Minorities are defined as Americans of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Island origins, as well as Native Americans and Alaskan natives. Other diverse businesses include SBA 8(a), DOT Disadvantaged, Disabled, Veteran, Service-Disabled Veteran, SBA Small Disadvantaged, SBA HUBZone, and Historically Black Colleges/Universities and Minority Institutions (hereinafter referred to as MWDBEs). A company must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled and managed by one or more minority group member or women.

Companies must be located in the U.S., its territories or possessions, and the owners must be U.S. citizens.

What We Purchase
Some of the goods and services we buy (this list is not all-inclusive, but rather indicative of the majority of our purchases):

Our Expectation
Providing there is no sacrifice in quality, service or price, preference is given to suppliers who can enhance Northwestern Mutual's commitment to be the premier company in the financial services and insurance industry. We seek suppliers with the following capabilities:

• Suppliers who offer ideas or alternatives that will ultimately lower our costs.
• Suppliers who are developing new and improved products.
• Suppliers who provide continuing competitive price and service.

Note that certifications are not to be considered as a guarantee of conducting business with Northwestern Mutual. Supplier selection is based on several factors, including pricing, delivery capabilities, service, innovation, etc.