Sales Suppliers Suppliers EQUATE recognizes that suppliers play an important role to its success in today's increasingly competitive marketplace. Therefore, it is the intention of EQUATE’s Purchasing group to conduct business with suppliers that add value to its businesses through competitive pricing, product reliability, security of supply, service and quality. EQUATE maintains a list of approved suppliers, who are evaluated and assessed on their performance with EQUATE to meet the above criteria. It is important to keep in mind that EQUATE is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for employees, suppliers/contractors and neighbors; therefore, Environment, Health and Safety are very important factors of supplier performance evaluations and assessments. EQUATE maintains a transparent and impartial relationship with its suppliers, and strategically awards business to suppliers who provide continuous value to EQUATE. EQUATE provides business opportunities to suppliers who fulfill the above criteria through a specific qualification process. The process will guide suppliers on the required steps for qualification, such as: 1. Suppliers shall introduce their company and its services by completing the supplier information form. 2. Through an acknowledgment letter/e-mail, an EQUATE responsible Buyer will be designated to the supplier. 3. The EQUATE responsible Buyer will be the focal communication point to the supplier throughout the process. 4. The responsible Buyer will also feed back the supplier on his qualification status. Suppliers who meet EQUATE qualification requirements are registered in the EQUATE approved supplier’s list. Although registered suppliers would have an opportunity to conduct business with EQUATE, registration does not entail any business commitments.