Meet Diversity Goals with NFS: A WBENC Certified Construction Supplier

Public and private construction projects increasingly require supplier diversity. From state-mandated targets to corporate ESG goals, working with certified small and minority-owned businesses isn’t just good practice, it’s often a contract requirement.  

At Network Framing Solutions (NFS), we are proud to be a WBENC-certified construction supplier and a women-owned cold-formed steel framing manufacturer that helps clients meet supplier diversity targets while delivering high-quality, cost-effective building solutions. 

Whether you are planning a state-funded education facility, a private healthcare build, or a mixed-use development, our team helps you meet supplier diversity goals with confidence, without compromising performance, budget, or timelines. 

Learn more about Melissa Sheffy, Founder and President, and how her vision has turned NFS into a trusted industry partner.  

What is Supplier Diversity and Why Does It Matter 

Supplier diversity promotes equitable access for underrepresented business owners, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. In the construction sector, this is especially critical, as public agencies and developers must demonstrate inclusive and transparent procurement practices. 

By including a certified S/MBE commercial construction partner like NFS on your team, you can fulfill diversity requirements, contribute to broader economic equity, and work with a supplier that is fully aligned with the needs of commercial construction projects.  

Understanding the Connecticut Set-Aside Program 

Connecticut’s Supplier Diversity Program, often referred to as the Set-Aside Program, requires that at least 25% of state-funded business be awarded to certified Small and Minority Business Enterprises (S/MBEs). Of this, 25% (or 6.25% of the total budget) must be awarded to certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), including: 

• Women-owned businesses
• Minority-owned businesses
• Disability-owned businesses 

This applies to both direct awards and subcontracted work. General contractors bidding on public projects may be required to include certified S/MBE firms as part of their project team. These requirements are typically detailed in RFP or bid documents and must be fulfilled unless a formal waiver is granted. 

As a WBENC-certified construction supplier, NFS qualifies as both a women-owned business and an MBE under this program, allowing clients to easily fulfill requirements while adding a proven structural framing expert to their team. 

How NFS Helps You Meet Supplier Diversity Requirements 

By including NFS in your project scope, either directly or as a subcontractor, you can meet federal, state, and corporate supplier diversity targets while benefiting from our high-performance framing systems for commercial construction. Our offerings include: 

• Fully engineered light gauge framing systems
• Prefabricated wall panels
• Floor and roof systems
• Turnkey steel framing assemblies tailored to site needs
• Support for BIM coordination and build sequencing 

We have successfully supported commercial construction projects in education, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, and more, many of which had supplier diversity goals written into the contact from day one. 

Explore the markets we serve and reach out to learn more about our services and solutions. 

More Than Compliance: A Strategic Advantage 

Supplier diversity is not just a box to check; it’s a smart business strategy, Diverse partnerships foster innovation, community investment, and greater supply chain resilience.  

When you work with NFS, you gain a strategic partner that brings technical expertise, prefabrication efficiencies, and a responsive, solution-focused team. As a S/MBE commercial construction partner, we work collaboratively with general contractors, project managers, and owners to find framing solutions that reduce waste, streamline installation, and support long-term performance. Plus, we combine the resources of a major framing manufacturer with the adaptability of a woman-owned small business. View our projects and see how we can optimize your next build. 

Let’s Talk About Your Next Project 

If you need a reliable partner for a state-funded, federal, or private-sector project, we are here to help. Our cold-formed steel manufacturing process ensures quality, consistency, and on-time delivery, while our WBENC certification helps you fulfill even the most rigorous S/MBE requirements. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your supplier diversity goals and contribute to your project’s success.