Phillips 66 struck a deal to use the Bartech Group Inc. as its managed service provider and vendor management solution provider, Bartech announced last week. The deal took effect in July and will be implemented in phases. Bartech will begin with managing Phillips 66’s contingent workforce in the U.S. and later include other locations around the globe. The first phase is taking place at Phillips 66’s headquarters in Houston.

The deal marks Bartech’s first such award in the oil and gas industry. Phillips 66 has more than 13,500 employees, and its need to find an MSP began after its spinoff from ConocoPhillips in 2012.

Bartech reported its diversity strategy was a factor in Phillips 66’s decision.

“The selection of this highly-qualified firm underscores the value and commitment Phillips 66 places on supplier diversity and including minority suppliers in its global supply chain,” said NMSDC President Joset Wright-Lacy.