Vetted Vendor Program

Overview

The North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC) established the Smart Start Network Vetted Vendor Program to create a trusted pool of high‑quality service providers available to Local Partnerships (LPs) across North Carolina.  

This program is designed to reduce administrative burden, promote consistent service quality, and ensure vendors meet the standards, values, and compliance expectations of the Smart Start Network. 

The Vetted Vendor Program is open continuously—vendors may apply at any time. Once an application is received, NCPC guides applicants through a structured review and vetting process, typically completed within 90 days. 

Participation in the program does not guarantee work. Local Partnerships contract directly with vetted vendors and must follow Smart Start procurement thresholds and policies. 

Program Goals 

The Vetted Vendor Program aims to:

  • Build a trusted directory of qualified vendors available to support Local Partnerships statewide.
  • Promote transparent pricing and competitive service models. 
  • Strengthen compliance practices across the Network. 
  • Ensure vendors demonstrate the capacity, expertise, and integrity required to serve Smart Start organizations.
  • Reduce the time and administrative effort for Local Partnerships to find, identify, and assess qualified providers. 

Who Should Apply 

Vendors with demonstrated experience serving nonprofits, public sector entities, or small-to-mid-sized organizations are encouraged to apply. Depending on the service category, strong applicants typically demonstrate: 

  • Relevant technical or professional expertise 
  • Clear and scalable service delivery models 
  • Commitment to quality, responsiveness, and customer support 
  • Transparent pricing structures 
  • Strong references and proven experiences  
  • Solid data security and risk management practices 
  • Ability to serve organizations across North Carolina (virtually or in-person) 

Find information about available service categories in the Vendor Applications below.  

Below you will find an overview of open service categories and the corresponding application forms vendors may complete and submit for consideration. 

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