UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Purchasing
General Purchasing Guidelines
There are many mandatory state contracts that we are required to utilize. The mandatory contracts are the first resource when making a purchase. Mandatory contracts are available through the Department of Administration website, VendorNet.
If no mandatory contracted vendor is available for your commodity or service, an official procurement process is required by State law.
Procurement Cost Tiers
Good/Service
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<$5,000 |
Considered “Best Judgement” purchases. Best Judgement is appliable when the anticipated spend is $5,000 or less with the same vendor over the life of the contract. |
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$5,000-$50,000 |
A “Simplified Bid” is required. The bid requirements must be sent to three qualified vendors and include the State of Wisconsin Standard Terms and Conditions. |
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>$50,000 |
A “Sealed Bid (RFB/RFP) is required. Please contact the Purchasing Office to begin this process. |
Regardless of Dollar Value
The chart below will assist in the purchase of commonly purchased items at the University. The contact listed will assist in the purchasing process and be available for questions regarding products or vendors. For questions regarding items not identified below please contact the Purchasing Office at (715) 425-3232 for assistance and clarification.
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Commodity/Service |
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Process |
Contact Information |
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Audio Visual Equipment |
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Contact DoTS for approval, assistance in the purchase of this equipment. |
DoTS |
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Bus Rental - School or Coach Buses |
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Contact Purchasing Services for your first Bus Rental purchase. |
Purchasing Services |
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Business Cards and Printing |
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Contact Fast Copy for business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and all printing projects. |
Fast Copy |
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Computer Hardware, Software and Peripherals |
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Purchases must be coordinated through DoTS to ensure compatibility with existing computer systems as well as being able to be supported by DoTS. These items are restricted from P-Card purchasing unless approved in advance. |
DoTS |
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Copy Paper |
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Must be ordered through Central Stores website. |
Central Stores |
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Copy Machines - Leased and Purchased |
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Contact DoTS Help Desk to get a quote for a new leased or purchased copier. |
DoTS |
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Furniture |
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Contact Facilities Management |
Jessica Riles |
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Mobile Phones |
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Contact DoTS to assist in determining which mobile device and plan will best meet your needs. |
DoTS |
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Office Supplies |
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Orders must be placed with Staples through ShopUW+. |
Purchasing Services |
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Scientific Equipment and Supplies |
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Orders should be placed through ShopUW+. If there is a computer software or hardware component, your request must first go through the DoTS. |
DoTS |
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Services |
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Any time a vendor comes on campus and provides a service (i.e. maintenance and/or repair of equipment, entertainment services, facility rentals, cleaning, etc.), we must have PO completed in advance, and we must have a Certificate of Insurance on file. |
Purchasing Services |
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Software as a Service (SAAS) |
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Contact DoTS for consultation on software that satisfies the department's requirements. |
DoTS |
