As an update to the news release issued last week by Governor Phil Murphy announcing New Jersey’s Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program (see below), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today launched an application for online retailers and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) wholesalers that would like to become “Designated Vendors” in the program. Interested parties may learn about the process and submit an application at covid19.nj.gov/ppe.
Last week, the NJEDA’s Board approved the first phase of this $15 million initiative, created by the Murphy administration to address ongoing demand for readily available, reasonably priced, and equitably distributed PPE. The program will establish a new website that provides micro and small businesses with the information needed to make easier and better PPE sourcing decisions. The website will offer a vetted list of online retailers (the Designated Vendors) that have agreed to verify the quality of the PPE they are selling and offer at least a 10% discount to businesses who enter through the State’s website.
The Designated Vendor application process has two parts, the first of which is available at https://forms.business.nj.gov/ppe-access/retailers. Part One addresses general program eligibility and the Designated Vendor’s ability to meet key program performance requirements. Part Two, which will be emailed to applicants following their submission of Part One (or earlier upon request), addresses certain corporate and legal requirements of the applicants.
Designated Vendors will be vetted on a first come, first served basis by the NJEDA, and must agree to certain performance standards for their site (e.g., transparent pricing, high-quality products). Designated Vendors will also be eligible to access an NJEDA grant pool of up to $3.5M to support the purchase of PPE that is manufactured in New Jersey or sourced from a small wholesaler based in a historically underserved community.
NJEDA intends to launch the full program in early to mid-September, once Designated Vendors have been officially selected to participate in the program. Interested parties may submit questions to the NJ PPE Access Program team at SmallBusinessPPE@njeda.com.