The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) ensures that lifesaving health commodities reach even the world’s most remote communities, empowering donors, governments, and humanitarian agencies to achieve public health goals through certified procurement and delivery systems.
Executive Overview
How PFSCM Uses Certification to Reach 130+ Countries
The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) is a nonprofit organization that improves access to quality health products in over 130 countries. Since its founding in 2005, PFSCM has played a central role in international public health procurement and delivery—managing complex supply chains across multiple continents, fragile health systems, and rigorous donor requirements.
Operating at this scale and with such impact demands more than supply chain competence. It requires demonstrable quality, sustainability, and security. That’s why PFSCM turned to DQS in 2014.
With DQS by their side, PFSCM has built a robust certification portfolio that includes ISO 9001, sustainable procurement compliance, GDP licensing, and a forthcoming ISO 27001 certification.
Certifications at a Glance
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 27001 – Information Security (in progress)
- ISO 20400 – Sustainable Procurement Compliance – Attestation
PFSCM Certifying with DQS Since: 2014
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The Challenge: Data Privacy Scrutiny and Trust in Sustainable Procurement
As PFSCM evolved from a USAID-funded initiative to a full-service supply chain solutions partner, the pressure to not only procure and deliver, but to prove the quality and safety of every aspect of their operation grew.
“In the donor-led, donor-driven environments we work in,” explained Mike Harrigan, Chief Quality and Risk Officer at PFSCM, “clients expect you to show proof—certifications, controls, continuous improvement. Certifications are a baseline now, not a bonus."
While PFSCM had always prioritized quality internally, formalizing that commitment through third-party certification was essential for maintaining credibility with global funders, NGOs, and regulatory bodies. The organization also faced increasing scrutiny around data privacy and sustainable procurement.
“It’s one thing to say we meet high standards,” said Edward Wilson, Director at PFSCM and Executive Vice President at JSI. “Proving it through certification, that’s a different level of assurance.”
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The Solution: The Certified Path of PFSCM’s Humanitarian Supply Chain
In 2014, PFSCM began working with DQS to formalize and expand its quality infrastructure. For Harrigan, who had previously worked with a variety of certification bodies including SGS and Intertek, the choice was clear.
“DQS stood out as uniquely professional,” Harrigan said. “I’d known them from my work in Europe and South Africa, and the culture was different—more responsive, more insightful. That mattered.”
ISO 9001: Laying the Foundation
The team’s first step was achieving ISO 9001 certification—a move that would formalize PFSCM’s quality management system as a benchmark among its peers.
“We had always had a strong internal quality team,” said Wilson. “But ISO 9001 gave us the structure to show it. Back then, not many nonprofits in our space had that kind of credential.”
As a result, PFSCM gained new credibility in competitive bids and reassured major donors of their process rigor. Certification also brought internal clarity.
“The return on investment internally is undeniable,” Harrigan noted. “We’re seeing better control, better outcomes, more mature systems year after year.”
ISO 27001 for Sensitive Information: A Global-Ready Mindset
As expectations evolved, so did PFSCM’s compliance goals. The organization pursued sustainable procurement compliance with ISO 20400 —a less common but increasingly meaningful credential—and maintains full compliance with GDP standards in Europe, including a Wholesale Distribution Authorization (WDA) license in the Netherlands.
“Our WDA license is equally important to us as ISO 9001,” Harrigan emphasized. “We’re moving products into and across the EU. Our European partners need to know we meet GDP requirements.”
Recognizing rising risks around cybersecurity and data protection, PFSCM also embarked on the journey toward ISO 27001 certification with DQS. For a nonprofit handling sensitive data and global shipments, this reflects a future-ready mindset.
“Cybersecurity is a growing concern for everyone,” said Wilson. “ISO 27001 is another way we demonstrate we take it seriously.”
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The Impact: From Efficiencies to Sustainability Commitments
While some organizations see certification as a checklist exercise, PFSCM has embraced it as a strategic differentiator.
According to Wilson, certifications like ISO 9001 and sustainable procurement compliance with ISO 20400 not only validate PFSCM’s processes but help them rise above the competition. “The certifications absolutely helped us stand out,” he said. “Especially our commitment to achieving ISO 27001 certification in 2025 / 2026, we’re leading the way”
With ISO 9001 as a foundation and global compliance at its core, PFSCM delivers vital health products to over 130 countries, ensuring quality and trust reach even the most remote communities.
Internally, the effect has been transformative. With clearer processes, staff training, and a culture of accountability, PFSCM’s operations are stronger than ever.
“Training, efficiency, internal improvements—those alone are worth the investment,” said Harrigan. “Certifications give us structure, but the value goes far beyond the certificate.”
Externally, donors and government partners alike benefit from PFSCM’s transparent documentation and standardized approach.
“Certifications give our clients peace of mind,” Harrigan added. “They know we understand their requirements and have the systems and process controls to achieve this.” Today, some contracts even require ISO 9001, and I’d say that’s becoming the norm.”
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10 Years Built on Trust
For over a decade, PFSCM has worked closely with DQS:
“We’ve had the same auditors for 10 years,” Harrigan said. “We don’t want anyone else. That consistency and trust—that’s what makes DQS different.”
Future-proofed and an Unwavering Commitment
Despite shifting ESG trends in 2025, PFSCM’s leadership remains committed to sustainability and accountability.
“Global sustainability initiatives may have taken a back seat recently,” said Wilson, “but that’s not changing our commitment to it.”
For both Wilson and Harrigan, the key to success lies in constant forward motion. “If we don’t keep improving,” Wilson concluded, “we’ll fall behind. In this field, the bar keeps moving up—and we intend to stay ahead of it.”
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Author
Nadine Heir
Nadine's team communicates the world-class quality for which DQS is globally recognized, in certification and auditing services, to companies across industries.
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