Skip to content

How to Buy at UC Merced

 

You're invited: Supply Chain Office Hours for Spring 2025

At UC Merced, there are three approved ways to make purchases:

Before making any purchase, it's essential to use an approved method. Unauthorized purchases—those made without a UC purchase order or P-Card approval—can result in delayed payments and personal financial liability. For large, strategic, or high-dollar purchases, work directly with CBS2 and Procurement to ensure compliance and value. Choosing the right path from the start helps avoid delays, ensures proper approvals, and supports efficient purchasing across campus.

 

Shop BobcatBuy+ directly from 30+ Pre-Approved catalogs

BobcatBuy+, our eProcurement platform, offers a streamlined shopping experience with your favorite suppliers.

Click the following image to log into BobcatBuy+:         

Before you begin, complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the Oracle Requisition Entry training within the UC Learning Center.
  2. Submit a Purchasing User Access Provisioning Request. Learn more about these in the Oracle Toolkit video titled “How to Access the Oracle System.”  Your Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) must approve it.

Need help? Watch the Oracle Toolkit video titled “How to Access the Oracle System.”

Once approved, you’ll be able to:

  • Browse and shop from over 30 catalogs
  • Submit requisitions directly into workflow
  • Expedite your purchases efficiently and cost-effectively

Ordering through BobcatBuy+ is the fastest and most cost-effective way to purchase goods.

 

Purchasing with your Procurement Card (P-Card)

The Procurement Card is a card product benefiting UC Merced and the Cardholder through prompt payment to suppliers for low-dollar purchases of supplies and materials costing up to but not more than $4,999 (including shipping, handling and tax).  Learn more about P-Cards by visiting https://supplychain.ucmerced.edu/procurement/procurement-card

 

Submit a Purchase Request easily through DFA Service Catalog

If you can’t find what you need in BobcatBuy+, submit a General Purchase Request through the DFA Service Catalog (ServiceNow).

The Center for Business Services and Solutions (CBS2) Purchasing team, part of the Supply Chain Center of Excellence, supports all campus procurement activities and supports all campus procurement activity and has delegated authority to directly procure goods and services on behalf of the campus.

Note: Using this method adds processing time and requires additional staff support. Please use BobcatBuy+ when possible for quicker turnaround.

For high dollar value or complex purchases, the CBS2 Purchasing team will work with Procurement category managers and Business Contracts staff to complete your purchase or contract. Contact CBS2 with any questions.

Avoid Unauthorized Purchases

All UC purchases must be authorized in advance through a UC purchase order or P-Card approval. Unauthorized purchases (also known as “after-the-fact” orders) may result in delayed or denied payments to vendors.

Unauthorized purchases are transactions that are:

  1. Entered into by an individual not authorized to execute agreements or purchases on behalf of the UC, or
  2. Entered into by an individual who has authorization but who uses an unauthorized procurement method or exceeds their delegated authority.

Note: Individuals who initiate unauthorized purchases may be held personally liable.

If a requisition or invoice is submitted after the fact, it must include a statement explaining the reason for the violation of policy signed by:

  • The department’s CAO or business officer
  • The department head
  • The relevant Vice Chancellor or Dean

Access the Documentation of Policy Violation form here.

All violations are logged for audit purposes and reported to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer.

Need Help with a Complex or High-Value Purchase?

Working on a large, complex, or strategic purchase? Contact Procurement early in the process. Our team will help:

  • Navigate UC purchasing requirements
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities
  • Ensure policy compliance

Please contact the team at procurement@ucmerced.edu - we look forward to assisting you.