Procurement

Procurement is a branch within Business and Financial Services that provides purchasing services for employees in supported units. The purchasing organization supports customers by issuing purchase orders and contracts for materials and services. BFS staff also ensures the 2 warehouses (FC3 and PRC) are stocked with material to support trades and zone staff for maintenance requirements.

BFS procurement staff will provide guidance and direction to the customer when needed, in order to navigate the purchase in accordance with UT policies and procedures.

• Decision Flowchart for Purchases (PDF)

Mission

The Procurement team's mission is to provide timely, professional support at each step of the purchasing process and we strive for 100 percent customer satisfaction.

Values

• Customer service
• Professional guidance and support in compliance with UT Policies & Procedures
• Prompt turnaround time on purchase requests via the Purchasing Request Form System for contracts and purchase orders.

Buyers are assigned to support specific CSUs in order to establish strong partnerships with customers.  Open communication with customers is required to ensure there is an understanding of requirements and expectations.  BFS buyers will work with Central Purchasing when needed to finalize standard orders, manage emergencies, and any expedite urgent requests.

Buyers make non-stock purchases for equipment, materials or services based on specific requests from the customer using the Request Forms system. The buyers are responsible for completing the procurement transaction in accordance with UT purchasing policies. Depending on the total purchase order value, the buyer may coordinate the final purchase approval with the university Purchasing Office.