UVM's purchase order process is administered by the Purchasing Services department within University Financial Services (UFS). Purchasing Services is responsible for establishing, providing oversight of, and ensuring compliance with all University procurement requirements. The Purchasing team helps faculty and staff identify, select, and acquire needed goods and services as economically as possible. All University personnel are required to follow University purchasing and procurement policies and procedures to ensure that quality and service standards are met and to provide accountability of University expenditures.
If you have questions about the following transactions/processes, please contact the applicable department.
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Purchasing Updates
Lowe's Key Fob Program discontinued 04/28/23
The Lowe’s Key Fob program ended on April 30, 2023. The fobs will no longer work when making a purchase at Lowe’s stores. Your accounts will still be active at Lowe’s and should reflect our tax exemption. Contact Purchasing Services if you have any questions.
Sustainable T-shirt purchasing initiative 08/25/22
Purchasing Services and the Office of Sustainability encourage all departments to switch their t-shirt purchases to sustainable choices. We have researched best options and recommended suppliers. Read more about our new Sustainable T-Shirt Purchasing Guidelines.
Uniform Guidance Update: Micro and Small Purchases using Federal Funds (Effective January 1, 2021 for UVM)
Uniform Guidance (UG) is the set of federal regulations (see 2 CFR 200) that drives research administration and allowable costs, with procurement guidance in sections 200.317 - 200.326. The procurement sections focus on increased competition and transparency.
On November 12, 2020, the UG revised the micro-purchase threshold limits from $10,000 up to $50,000 with specific requirements for audit purposes. This is great news, and UVM has made the decision to increase its micro-purchase threshold to $25,000, which is in line with UVM’s existing policy and procedures.
What this mean for departments:
- Micro-purchases: Thresholds will be revised from $10,000 to $25,000. As long as the pricing is considered reasonable, purchases will not require competitive bids (multiple quotes). Micro-purchases must be distributed equitability among qualified suppliers (to the extent practicable).
- Small purchases over $25,000: Will be required to follow UVM’s policy, by obtaining three quotes from multiple sources prior to the purchase. If multiple quotes are not obtained, the charge will not be allowed on a federally funded sponsored project; unless a single sole source justification is allowed/approved on a federally funded sponsored project.
- Purchases over $100,000: Will also be required to follow UVM’s policy, by processing a Request for Formal Proposal via Purchasing Services office.