BPOs are designed to supply goods or services on an ongoing basis for a designated period of time. Generally, BPOs establish pricing, terms, conditions, and the period covered. Quantities or minimum sales are not required.
MEAs support the strategic sourcing efforts of multiple campuses or the Chancellor’s Office by combining common requirements for specified goods and services, avoiding redundant bid solicitations and contracts, maximizing volume discounts and reducing administrative costs. Each MEA may have specific conditions for its use. Please note that not all MEAs have been competitively bid. If not competitively bid, the purchasing thresholds apply.
Specific to Procurement, a consortium is an association of public education entities that share competitively awarded contracts with its members. The University is not required to conduct a competitive solicitation if a Higher Education Purchasing Consortium has awarded a vendor for the specific goods or services. The use of consortium agreements needs to be vetted and approved by Procurement staff.
MPAs provide fixed prices/rates from vendors for the purpose of acquiring goods and services at the vendor's best pricing based on aggregate volume purchased and to reduce administrative costs. Please note that not all MPAs have been competitively bid. If not competitively bid, the purchasing thresholds apply.
A contract for goods or services may be entered into for any period of time deemed to be in the best interests of the University provided the term of the contract and conditions of renewal or extension, if any, are included in the solicitation. A multi-year contract is authorized where:
- estimated requirements cover the period of the contract and are reasonably firm and continuing; and
- such a contract will serve the best interests of the University by encouraging effective competition or otherwise promoting economies in University Procurement.