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How to Buy at UC Merced

 

You're invited: Supply Chain Office Hours

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 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+:         

To gain access to catalog purchasing, complete the following steps:

You’ll first need to complete Bobcatbuy+ Catalog and Requisition Training. Visit the UC Learning Center HERE to sign up for any session.  Secondly, you'll need to submit a Purchasing User Access Provisioning Request. Questions? Contact Procurement Services at procurement@ucmerced.edu

Once approved, you’ll be able to:

  • Browse and shop from over 45 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 Customer Service and Requisition 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 teammembers will work with Procurement category managers and Business Contracts staff to complete your purchase or contract. Please reach out to procurement@ucmerced.edu with any questions.

Unauthorized Purchases

All UC Merced Procurement and Purchasing activities must follow UC Systemwide Procurement Policy BUS-43. An unauthorized purchase, also known as an after-the-fact purchase, is any procurement action not approved through proper University channels prior to the commitment of University funds.

Any Unauthorized Purchase violates policy BUS-43. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Purchases made by individuals without an official Delegation of Authority (DOA) to obligate UC Merced funds.
  • Transactions conducted outside of approved procurement methods (e.g. direct purchases from vendors without a valid purchase order (PO) or P-Card).
  • Signing a contract or agreement without a written signature delegation from the Chancellor or delegated authority.
  • Initiating services or receiving goods before a fully executed purchase order is communicated to the vendor.
  • Purchases that exceed the individual's DOA or P-Card transaction limits.

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

If an Unauthorized Purchase Occurs

If goods are received or services rendered before authorization, a Policy Violation Justification Form must accompany any subsequent requisition or invoice. The form must include:

  • A detailed explanation of the violation
  • A corrective action plan
  • Required signatures from the:
    • Department Business Officer or Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
    • Department Head
    • Respective Vice Chancellor or Dean

Violations are reported to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer on a recurring basis.

To prevent unauthorized purchases, adhere to the below guidance:

  • Ensure a valid PO or P-Card transaction is in place before services begin or goods are received.
  • Contact Procurement Services before engaging with any vendor.
  • Do not sign contracts or agreements unless you have official signature authority.
  • Consult your Department Chief Administrative Officer or Procurement and Contract Services (procurement@ucmerced.edu) for support and assistance.

Additional Resources: UC Merced Unauthorized Purchase Policy |  UC Merced Delegation of Authority | BUS-43 UC Systemwide Procurement Policy

Updated December 2025

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.