Procurment

The Department of Procurement Services at Brandeis University can help organizations in several ways. Through the usage of what is known as a purchase order (PO) Ð a legal contract between Brandeis University and the vendor to purchase goods or services Ð organizations can benefit from protection of purchases and have encumbrances created in the University financial system. However, PO is required for all purchases of $1,500 or above.

Invoices or Items of $1,500 or Above

These require a PO from the Department of Procurement Services. A purchase order can be obtained by filling out Requisition for Supplies and Services.

Equipment Purchase

Items with a cost/value of $2,500 or above and a useful life of 2 years or more are classified as equipmentÓ according to the Procurement Department. These items must be ordered through Procurement Services. Equipment Acquisition Form must be filled out prior to purchase in addition to the Requisition for Supplies and Services.

It is strongly recommended, but not required, that smaller equipment also be ordered through the Procurement Department in order to take advantage of the UniversityÕs tax-exempt status, and professional resources available that can be used to secure the best price for a particular item.

Please also remember that equipment and club property should be added to Property Tracker on http://my.brandeis.edu.

Bid of $25,000 or Above

For purchases, contracts, or other commitments exceeding $25,000, or for exclusive sourceÓ type agreements (e.g.: the arrangement between Jostens and Archon from fiscal year 03 ~ 07), work must be put out to bid. If an organization is seeking to do something of this magnitude, it must go through the official bidding process. Contact the Treasurer.

Tax Exempt Status

To take advantage of the University's tax-exempt status, contact the Treasurer, who will work with the Procurement Department to fax the universityÕs tax-exempt certificate to a vendor from which organization is purchasing goods and/or services. This may not work with some vendors.