Our Review

MetLife’s Supplier Inclusion and Development Program is driven by the company’s goal to promote the inclusion of qualified diverse suppliers in their sourcing process. In 2019 Metlife spent $270 million with diverse suppliers. Somewhat surprisingly, this was down from $422 in 2018. It seems there was a change in reporting methodology, but the documentation we found was not clear. 

With small businesses, Metlife spent $82 million in 2019 down from $90 million the prior year. As a share of total spend, Metlife spent 18.7% with diverse suppliers in 2018, a significant increase from the 11.1% the company spent with diverse suppliers in 2017. This percentage was not reported in 2019. On the whole, Metlife’s reporting is inconsistent and makes it difficult to get a clear picture of the size and growth of their spending with underrepresented businesses. 

MetLife ensures that underrepresented business groups are considered for opportunities through its "Rule of One" policy which requires the inclusion of at least one diverse supplier in the sourcing process for all products and services. Notably, Metlife ties this requirement to performance evaluations and incentive pay. 

Metlife sponsors executive education scholarships for diverse business owners. There is also a mentorship program which provides diverse suppliers with capacity-building coaching in various areas and grants them access to capital. 

MetLife Says

MetLife’s commitment to diversity extends across the global supply chain. Our Supplier Inclusion and Development program is integral to our business strategy, driving innovation in our supply chain and providing mentorship that expands our pool of qualified suppliers. These include firms that are majority owned, operated and controlled by ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities or veterans, as well as federally recognized small businesses as the business needs require. 

Leading the industry in diverse supplier development since 2003, we have proactively partnered with qualified diverse suppliers, supporting their growth and wider communities as we navigate a changing world together. To level the playing field, we require our procurement teams to include at least one diverse supplier in every request for proposal we issue when diverse suppliers are available to fill the business need.

Recognized Diverse Suppliers Groups Include

At least 51% owned, controlled AND operated by one or more members of a diverse group:

• MBE – Minority Business Enterprise
• WBE – Women Business Enterprise
• DOBE – Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise
• SDVOB – Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business
• VBE – Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise
• LGBTBE – Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual or Transgender Business Enterprise

Accepted Certification Agencies Include

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
• National Minority Supplier Development Council
• National Veteran Business Development Council
• Disability:IN
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce