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Supplier Representatives

At Integrys Energy Group, we consider suppliers an important part of our continuing effort in searching out new materials, new services, new ideas and suggestions as a means to lower costs through better value.

Visits - Communications

Suppliers and contractors need to initiate their first contact with Integrys Energy Group through the Supply Chain Services Department. Supply Chain Services may at that time direct you to other departments for further evaluation and consideration. Subsequent contacts may be made directly with those departments regarding quality, specifications, inspections, service, technical support and product development. Simply keep the Supply Chain Services Representatives informed of progress in such contacts and maintain periodic contact with Supply Chain Services.

Purchasing Responsibilities

Supply Chain Services functions as an agent for the company and, as such, has sole responsibility for consummating purchasing commitments. Any prior negotiations, communications and agreements between the supplier and the company are subject to this agency function.

Purchasing Policy

The company's purchasing objectives are to procure, in a reasonable and economical manner, all equipment, materials, supplies and services required to construct, improve, operate and maintain the company's facilities and to maintain the reliability of the company's electric and natural gas service to the consumer. The company's Supply Chain Services Department has the responsibility to be informed of the actual or potential procurement requirements of the company, to control the financial commitments, to negotiate within the procurement function, and for commercial relations of a procurement nature with suppliers. Included in these responsibilities are:

Therefore, the company expects the necessary assistance from its suppliers in reaching these purchasing objectives. The supplier will maintain an on-going dialogue regarding current market conditions, price trends, product improvements and any other developments that might contribute to our efforts in obtaining goods and services at competitive prices. Suppliers are also expected to use fair and ethical practices when dealing with the company.

Supplier Selection and Bidding

Integrys Energy Group's policy is to deal only with dependable and responsible suppliers and contractors and to pay a fair market price for the goods and services required. The company will consider qualified suppliers and contractors who wish to bid on company requirements. Some of the factors to be considered (whenever applicable) are:

Minority Suppliers

Integrys Energy Group supports the growth of business opportunities with companies that are certified as Minority Business Enterprises.

The definition we subscribe to is that a for-profit enterprise, which is a U.S.-based business with at least 51% of the business ownership controlled by one or more minorities actively involved in the daily operation of the business. Furthermore, a certified minority business is defined as being significantly and actively operated by Black, Filipino, Hispanic, Native American, Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Polynesian, Handicapped, Disabled Veteran or female individuals or groups. Minority suppliers are subject to the same competitive evaluation standards that apply to all suppliers in general.

Integrys Energy Group actively tracks and maintains minority population and spend data within our purchasing application software systems.

The company's outreach program emphasizes the use of state and national minority business directories as part of our sourcing decisions. The outreach program recognizes and promotes increased utilization of minority businesses as a means to fostering economic growth, developing additional qualified sources of supply and increasing the tax base in the communities that we serve.

Competitive Pricing and Practices

The company recognizes the value of material supply sources and welcomes inquiries from new suppliers and contractors of demonstrated ability. Requests to be qualified as a bidder shall be directed to the Supply Chain Services Department of Integrys Business Support, the shared services organization of Integrys Energy Group. Selection of acceptable bidders will be accomplished jointly by Supply Chain Services and the appropriate internal team. Performance in the areas of quality, service, and delivery will be of overriding importance in the evaluation. Suppliers who fail to maintain acceptable standards of performance will be advised of this fact and may be removed from the company's list of bidders.

We solicit confidential written bids from qualified suppliers and contractors when practical. The decision to apply the competitive bidding process to an individual purchase is dependent on the value, quantity and availability of material and services as well as the design, performance requirements and degree of competition available. The formal bidding procedure, therefore, may be waived as warranted by these conditions as well as for emergencies and small-value items.

Bid requests will contain the necessary specifications, drawings, technical data, etc. All suppliers and contractors will be given identical information, including a bidding deadline. It is expected that your best price will be quoted. Bids should be on a firm basis or must contain sufficient data to allow for a thorough analysis and competitive evaluation of any variables. Alternate proposals may be considered, but bidders should bid in accordance with basic specifications first.

Bid openings are private, and pricing and proposal data is kept confidential. The company reserves the right to reject any or all bids. After receipt of a Purchase Order, the supplier should direct all subsequent communications about deliveries, invoicing and related matters to Supply Chain Services, with reference to the purchase order number.

Office Hours

Suppliers may feel free to telephone or meet with us in person during our normal business hours, from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. Although appointments are not required, an advance telephone call helps ensure that the person you want to see is available.

Upon arrival at our offices, please register with the receptionist. The receptionist will notify the appropriate individual and indicate the estimated waiting period if he or she is not immediately available. The telephone in the waiting room is for your convenience; please feel free to use it. Instructions for making calls inside and outside the company can be obtained from the receptionist.

Gift and Entertainment Policy

We realize that most gifts are intended only as expressions of appreciation and goodwill. Some, however, are of a value that could bring into question either the intent of the donor or the effect on the recipient. Obviously such doubt needs to be avoided. It has, therefore, become our policy not to accept gifts or favors from past, current or prospective suppliers.

Business luncheons with company representatives are acceptable when they provide a means of facilitating normal business objectives. General or incidental hospitality, such as at business conventions, is acceptable in moderation and when it is a constructive means of expanding contacts, association and insight. Good judgment is essential in determining whether or not the above are acceptable.

We ask your cooperation in maintaining this mutually beneficial relationship by observing the spirit and intent of this policy.