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Fall Semester '22 Tips & Reminders on Purchasing

August 26, 2022

As we settle into the fall semester 2022, here are some reminders and resources to help you navigate procurement at UC Merced:

  • Automated routing for research administrator approval

  • Delegating approval via Vacation Rule: Establish approvers in Business Process Management for a specific period of time. The process now has Guided Learning instructions in Oracle.

  • Find the best way to pay an individual: Honorarium? Stipend? Fellowship? Independent contractor? Use this guide to select a method of payment.

  • Oracle Toolkit instructional videos: Topics include checking invoice status; creating and managing requisitions; and Chart of Accounts and POET basics

  • Oracle Guided Learning: A knowledge tool within Oracle. It provides step-by-step instructions for tasks.

  • Small Business First: The UC policy calls for all non-construction UC contracts and procurements between $10,000 and $250,000 to be awarded to a Small Business or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise when applicable.

  • Avoid unauthorized purchases: All university purchases must be authorized with a purchase order or credit card.

  • Make sure all orders have the requestor listed as the person to whom the package will be delivered for efficient delivery. Always at your service is our Logistics Department. If you are missing a package, please reach out to receiving@ucmerced.edu as we do receive packages (PCard purchases or third party deliveries, mostly) without names or locations.

  • Laptop and desktop computers still have supply chain constraints. Lead times can be from one week to six months.

    • Apple products can be purchased from the Authorized Apple Store in our University Bookstore or through Service Now for CBS2 to process the order with CDW-G. We do not purchase Apple products direct from apple.com.

    • Dell has a punchout catalog. Lenovo and HP require a Service Now ticket to purchase from CDW-G.

  • Shop directly from almost 30 pre-approved catalogs. These vendors have all been vetted by UC and provide excellent service and discounts as a systemwide approved vendor.

  • If you are working on a high-dollar or complex purchase or have a need to implement a new strategic contract for your unit than please contact our Strategic Sourcing & Special Projects team directly for assistance. Our staff will guide you through the process to ensure you get the best value from your procurement and comply with applicable requirements. Contact procurement@ucmerced.edu