Becoming a Supplier for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is based on a fundamental set of values, and these values guide the relationships we enjoy with the many suppliers who provide goods and services.

Procurement’s Mission:

It is Procurement’s prime objective to support corporate growth and improved productivity through strategic purchasing. Procurement provides guidance, leadership and responsive customer service through the use of industry best practices in our Procurement process to ensure an adequate supply of a wide variety of goods and services at a combination of price, quality and service level which meets or exceeds our client’s requirements.

 


Buying Practices

It is the policy of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to contract for goods and services in a way that ensures best overall value. The Company contracts with those suppliers who satisfy the Company’s objectives of obtaining quality goods and services in a timely manner and meeting specifications with competitive prices.

In so doing, the Company, as a matter of principle, conducts its expenditure contracting activities with due regard to applicable laws, regulations, international agreements and conventions, internal policies and competitive tendering processes. The Company does this in such a way as to convey its high standards of professionalism and business ethics to the external community.

For more information on related laws and information on requirements in doing business with a tobacco company, or to register to express your interest in doing business with R.J. Reynolds, please visit the following links:

Supplier Registration – New Suppliers

BAT Supplier Code of Conduct

Master Settlement Agreement

Responsible Marketing

Tobacco Litigation

California Supply Chain Transparency Act Statement

RJRT Supplier Diversity Brochure

 


Supplier Diversity

Having a diverse supply chain is critical for continued success. Rapidly changing demographics and societal expectations contribute to an ever-evolving landscape. RAI’s subsidiaries actively recruit and retain diverse suppliers to drive innovation, reduce our supply chain impacts and enhance the communities in which they operate.

Supplier diversity promotes an innovative business environment not only throughout R.J. Reynolds, but also for its diverse business partners. A diverse supplier base has the following benefits:

• Driving innovation;
• Competitive edge in a changing business culture;
• Competition and inclusion in sourcing decisions;
• Excellence in materials and services;
• Enhanced quality, service and cost competition; and
• Social and economic benefits in local communities.

R.J. Reynolds is committed to ensuring equal-access business opportunities to qualified, high-potential, diverse suppliers. Procurement works with each of the operating companies to execute supplier diversity goals. We track the following diverse supplier categories:

• Minority Owned Business;
• Woman Owned Business;
• Minority Woman Owned Business;
• Minority Owned Small Business;
• Women Owned Small Business;
• Minority Woman Owned Small Business;
• Veteran Owned Business;
• Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business;
• Disadvantaged or Disabled-Person Owned Business;
• HUBZone Business; and
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)

To advance our supplier diversity program, the Procurement department maintains relationships with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC).
Procurement encourages potential and existing suppliers that are at least 51% women or minority-owned and operated, or socially or economically disadvantaged as determined by the U.S. Small Business Association to pursue certification by a third-party agency listed below.

National Minority Supplier Development Council or regional affiliate

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

National Women Business Owners Corporation

Small Business Administration or other government / public agency

US Business Leadership Network (USBLN)

National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

We embrace diversity. If you are a minority supplier, please let us know by first registering your company via our Portal registration: www.RJRT.com/suppliers. An email can also be forwarded to supplierdiversity@ReynoldsAmerican.com.


Sourcing Suppliers

We value relationships with our suppliers. As we source goods and services, we rely on the professionalism and expertise that suppliers provide. Suppliers play an essential role in obtaining continuous improvements in quality, price and service levels.

Our sourcing processes aim to deliver maximum value to all stakeholders. We look to our suppliers to deliver innovative products and services that help us differentiate ourselves in the marketplace and create lasting competitive advantage. The value that comes from having a diverse group of suppliers is clear. We encourage our buyers to seek out new and diverse suppliers as they source materials and services, to ensure a consistent flow of new and innovative ideas.

Suppliers may be identified from past experience with the Company, industry directories, Internet, industry and association information sources including catalogues and journals, trade shows and conferences.

Eligibility standards have been developed for suppliers, which includes among others;

  • Auditable financial strength;
  • Proven capacity to meet contractual obligations;
  • Guaranteed capability for full and continuous supply;
  • Assurance that requirements will be met through implemented, auditable quality plans; and,
  • Reputable track record in supplier’s area of expertise.

If a business qualifies, it may be invited to bid for work.

 


Negotiation of Contracts

Following the initial registration process potential suppliers will be evaluated against current suppliers and one or more suppliers who best fit the Company’s overall needs may be invited to submit proposals or enter into negotiations, which may lead to the formulation of a formal contract.

Generally, end users are not authorized to enter into agreements with suppliers. Suppliers who provide goods or services before a purchase order/contract is in place and contracted suppliers who perform work beyond the scope of the existing contract, do so at their own risk.

 


Conclusion

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company values the special relationship it has with its suppliers and welcomes entertaining any proposals or initiatives by suppliers that contribute to increased productivity and good purchasing management.