To save time and encourage compliance, we’ve put together resources for the more common business interactions.
Purchasing Information
Policy
The University Purchasing department delegates small dollar purchasing authority to departments via use of a Purchasing Card (P-Card). P-Cardholders (Cardholders) and departments are required to maintain the integrity of the P-Card program by understanding and adhering to the policy and procedures governing the use of a P-Card. Cardholders who do not comply with the policy and procedures may have their P-Card privileges temporarily or permanently revoked by their department or the University P-Card Administrator (P-Card Administrator).
Contract Vendors
The department utilizes Purchasing Cards (P-Cards) for purchasing equipment and materials where the total is under $2999.99. These purchases are regulated by the university P-Card policy.
3.6 Unauthorized P-Card Purchases
c. Failure to Use Mandatory State Contracts
(i.) State of Idaho contracts must be used for the purchase of goods and services if the needed items are available from a contract vendor. Cost cannot be a factor in choosing an off-contract vendor.
(ii.) View the Statewide Contracts and Price Agreements to determine the availability of goods and services needed.
The Idaho State contract vendors for research/laboratory supplies are:
- Fisher Scientific
- VWR International
- Nikon Instruments – Optical equipment (cameras, microscopes, optics, etc.)
Exceptions
Purchases through non-contract vendors can be made as long as the following is met:
- The item is not sold by a contract vendor
- Specific requirements for the item cannot be obtained through a contract vendor
- Sufficient quantity of the item is not available through a contract vendor
In these cases, the attempt to find the item(s) from a contract vendor and why they can’t should be submitted as part of the business purpose when requesting the purchase.