Buying Methods

All purchases of goods and services must be made in accordance with university policies and procedures (see SPG 507.01). Adherence to these policies and procedures ensures that procurement activities will be done in an open and competitive environment and that all prices paid by the university will be fair and reasonable.

Get it started: Purchasing | Procurement Services – University of Michigan

• Learn about these different options at: Buying at UM – A Quick-Start Guide
  • Internal service providers
    • Ordered by a shortcode
    • E.g., Media Center, U-M Catering, Property Disposition, Michigan Creative, Conference & Event Services
    • Search through the list of U-M internal service providers and university-wide contracts to determine if the product or service you need is available.
      • In the left panel, click “Internal Service Providers” under “Source”
  • University-Wide supplier contracts
    • E.g., Produce Station
  • Marketsite+ (Browse Only)
    • Amazon Business
    • E.g., Staples, CDW-G, B&H, Dell, Grainger, Ferguson, eShipGlobal
    • Fill your shopping cart and assign the draft cart to a Finance staff member (Tommy Yu or Megan Xu) to approve
    • Marketsite Link
  • Quote to Order (QTO)
    • E.g., get quotes for printing a publication, website design, etc.
    • Assign an order to a Finance staff member (Tommy Yu or Megan Xu) for approval
      • Dimensions and Agora printing: send the orders to Megan Xu
    • QTO Link and instructions
  • PCard/Out-of-Pocket
    • E.g., travel, hosting, occasionally small-dollar supplies
    • PCards cannot be used for services (e.g., editing, photography, consulting); see Restricted Commodities & Special Approvals
    • PCard guidance link (please email Megan Xu to request a PCard)
  • PO/Requisition
    • E.g., pay a company’s invoice
  • Competitive bid process for large contracts
    • Business Office submits the sourcing request on your behalf. Contact us for your purchase early in the process. 
    • No services will be performed, nor will any goods be purchased, prior to the finalization of the contract.
  • PeoplePay
    • PeoplePay is used for paying individuals for honoraria, prizes, gifts, and awards
• Expenses between $10,000 and $49,999
  • The U-M Regents require that all transactions between $10,000 and less than $50,000 be reviewed by Procurement Services for compliance and best value.
• Expenses $50,000 and above
  • Transactions $50,000 and above, except as outlined in the Sole Source Process, Procurement Services will conduct a formal and structured competitive bidding process.

Contact Procurement Services and Business Office for questions during the planning process.