Purchasing
Departments at the university buy a wide variety of products and services, enabling administrative and academic units to fulfill the institution’s objectives in education, research, and patient care. Procurement Services is responsible for helping units complete the purchasing process in the most cost-efficient and convenient way possible while ensuring compliance with university policies and principles.
Procurement agents negotiate pricing, delivery and other terms and conditions favorable to the university on hundreds of contracts. When making purchases on behalf of U-M, the search for Goods and Services should begin with searching the U-M Strategic Suppliers database and Marketsite+ catalogs. The comprehensive compilation of Buying Methods gives additional information regarding payment types at U-M.
Shop Goods
When purchasing goods on behalf of U-M, start by searching contracted supplier catalogs within Marketsite+.
- All U-M employees have “Browse Only” access which allows individuals the ability to search the catalogs and add items to a shopping cart
- Individuals with the “Requisitioner” role hold the access to complete a purchase by providing a department shortcode and accounting information at check-out
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- Exception: Amazon Business shopping experience
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- Catalog orders are processed the fastest, making them the most efficient procurement option
Examples of Goods include:
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- Office & Computer Supplies
- Lab & Research Supplies
- Facilities & Maintenance Repair Operations
- Furniture
Shop Services
Procurement agents have negotiated pricing and other terms and conditions favorable to the university for deliverable services. When looking for services, start by visiting either:
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- U-M Internal Services (Conferences & Events, Print-Copy-Mail, Michigan Creative, etc.)
- The university-wide supplier webpage for all available contracted services
Examples of Services include:
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- Catering
- Consulting & executive coaching
- Document shredding
- Parking and transportation
- Transcription and translation
- Web and graphic design – Including Quote to Order options
Restricted Purchases & Special Approvals
The university prohibits specific goods and services from being purchased; other purchases require special approvals. These items, known as Restricted Commodities, must be reviewed prior to making purchases.
Non-catalog Ordering
If the good or service cannot be found within the university-wide suppliers and/or Marketsite+ catalogs, other options are available for consideration. The cost of the non-catalog good or service will determine the method of purchase and payment. If you’re looking to pay a non-payroll individual click here for more information about the People Pay process.
Goods or service up to $9,999 that cannot be found within University-wide Strategic Supplier list or Marketsite+, a purchase can be made using a PCard (up to $5,000) or by Requisition.
Follow the guidance provided in the knowledge base article regarding the process related to requesting purchases between $10,000 – $49,999.
Procurement Services will conduct a formal and structured competitive bidding process for purchases over $50,000. If competitive bidding is not available, please consult the Sole Source Justification process.