Vendor Accreditation Process

STEP 1:  The Vendor Applicant downloads and completes a Self-Assessment to ensure their readiness to apply.  

STEP 2: The Vendor Applicant contacts the ACCT Program Manager to request a copy of the current application.

STEP 3: The Vendor Applicant submits the completed application, along with the application fee, to the Program Manager.

STEP 4: The Program Manager signs and dates the application as received. A copy of the application will be made available to the Vendor Applicant. Completed applications are valid for one (1) year from the date of submission. If the application period expires, the Applicant must re-apply.

STEP 5: The ACCT Program Manager will assign an Applicant Liaison to the Applicant Vendor. 

STEP 6: The Vendor Applicant sets up a file-sharing program to make documents available to the necessary parties. The Vendor Applicant grants access to the Applicant Liaison and the ACCT Program Manager after receipt of the application and before the review. The applicant shall grant access to the Vendor Auditor once the Vendor Auditor is assigned. Following the completion of the audit, the Vendor Applicant will remove the parties' access rights. ACCT shall only retain the final review report.  Additional in-person day(s) will be added to the audit at the Vendor Applicant's expense if the Vendor Applicant does not wish to share documentation digitally before the review.

STEP 7: The Program Manager and the Applicant Liaison review the application and documents for completeness. If an application is incomplete or clarity is required, the Applicant Liaison may request additional information.

STEP 8: When the application and documents are ready, the Program Manager assigns a Vendor Auditor.

STEP 9: The Applicant Liaison, Vendor Auditor, and Vendor Applicant will work together to schedule the site visit. This will be confirmed with the Program Manager as soon as the dates are known. A day-to-day schedule will be provided 30 business days prior to the on-site audit.

STEP 10: On-site audit occurs, and the Audit Reports are finalized and sent to the Program Manager.

STEP 11: The ACCT Program Manager and Applicant Liaison review the report for comments and identity priorities.

STEP 12: Should priorities be assigned, the vendor applicant will follow the associated timelines to rectify any issues identified during the audit.

STEP 12: Once the submitted report(s) and priorities are determined to be complete and meet all requirements, the Program Manager and Applicant Liaison will brief assisting volunteers, who will ratify the accreditation approval. 

STEP 13: The ACCT Program Manager will generate approval documents and inform the vendor applicant of their accreditation. If it is determined that the Vendor Applicant does not sufficiently meet Program requirements and prerequisites, the Program Manager will advise the Vendor Applicant in writing of the reasons for its denied accreditation. Vendor Applicants that have their application denied may file for an appeal within 30 days of receiving the denied accreditation letter.