Procurement of Supplies, Services and Construction

The mission of the Procurement and Contracting Department is to procure goods and services for University clients in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner.

Purchasing practices also recognize that the benefits of procurement at the lowest possible cost should always be weighed against other factors such as useful life, functionality, associated hidden costs, and the time sensitivity of certain procurement needs.

Purchasing Procedures for Supplies and Services

1. Dollar Limits: Purchases under the state-mandated competitive bid threshold shall not require competitive bidding, but must follow prudent business practices, as established by the Procurement and Contracting Department.
   
   Contracts for purchases over the state-mandated competitive bid threshold must be awarded under competitive sealed bidding, in accordance with practices established by the Procurement and Contracting Department, except as otherwise authorized by law.
   
   University Legal Counsel must review all contracts $5,000 or more. Service contracts of $20,000 or more must be reviewed by the Office of Attorney General. Service contracts of $500,000 or more must be reviewed by the Office of General Counsel.
2. Contracting Officer: Only individuals identified as Contracting Officers may enter contracts on behalf of the University.
   
   Contracting Officers have been delegated contracting and purchase authority by the University President.
   
   Review the list of authorized Contracting Officers and their respective levels of authority.
   
   Contracting Officers are the only individuals who are authorized to procure goods, services and construction; enter into and administer contracts; and make written determinations with respect to contracts for the University.
3. Financial Officer: Financial Officers review procurements (except small purchases) for fiscal responsibility, budgetary appropriateness, and availability of funds.
   
   Review the list of authorized Financial Officers and their respective levels of authority.
   
   The fiscal officer, at his or her option, may also serve as a nonvoting member of an evaluation committee for requests for proposals or similar selection committee for acquisition of services.

Appeal Statement

You can access State System Bid Protest Policy