What's Happening?
UCLA and Fisher Scientific have announced a new economic impact partnership with Possible Missions, a small, woman- and minority-owned life sciences business. This collaboration aims to enhance service to UC's research operations and assist departments
in fulfilling federal grant obligations more easily. As of September 17, when purchases of Thermo Fisher Asheville or legacy Life Technologies brands are made through the BruinBuy Plus Fisher punchout, Possible Missions will fulfill the orders. The partnership ensures that pricing, product availability, shipping, and delivery will remain unchanged, with support teams from both Fisher and Possible Missions available to users.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it streamlines the procurement process for life sciences research at UCLA, potentially increasing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens for researchers. Secondly, by partnering with Possible Missions, a small, woman- and minority-owned business, UCLA and Fisher Scientific are actively promoting diversity and inclusion within their supply chains, aligning with broader federal initiatives to support underrepresented businesses. This also helps UCLA departments meet federal grant requirements that often include provisions for engaging with diverse suppliers. The collaboration strengthens the ecosystem of life sciences support services, ensuring that critical research operations receive consistent and reliable access to necessary supplies and services.
What's Next?
To inform stakeholders about this new partnership, an info session and office hour are scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT via Zoom. This session will provide an opportunity for UCLA departments to learn more about the collaboration, ask questions, and meet representatives from Fisher Scientific and Possible Missions. The expectation is that the transition to this new fulfillment model will be seamless for departments. The success of this partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at enhancing efficiency and promoting diversity in procurement within academic and research institutions.
Beyond the Headlines
This initiative extends beyond mere logistical improvements; it embodies a commitment to leveraging institutional purchasing power for broader societal benefits. By intentionally integrating a woman- and minority-owned business into a major supply chain, UCLA and Fisher Scientific are setting a precedent for how large organizations can foster economic equity and support diverse enterprises. This move can inspire other universities and corporations to re-evaluate their procurement strategies, potentially leading to a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape. Furthermore, it highlights the growing importance of ethical and socially responsible business practices in the academic and scientific communities, where the impact of operational decisions can have far-reaching implications.
