Before the Vendor Starts: Five Things to Check
Before telling a vendor to begin work or place an order, make sure the appropriate VCU purchasing method is approved and in place. For most purchases requiring a purchase order, that means the vendor should have the VCU PO before work begins. Five quick checks Why this matters Getting the purchasing process completed first gives […]
Unlock Fast-Track Southwest A-List Status for VCU Business Travel
Frequent flyers at VCU have another reason to book their next trip on Southwest Airlines. A new business promotion lets you fast-track your way to VIP treatment and bonus rewards points on trips booked and flown before October 31. Whether you travel occasionally across the state or fly nationwide every month, this promotion makes elite […]
✈️ Announcing VCU’s New American Airlines Partnership
We are thrilled to announce a new corporate agreement with American Airlines to bring exclusive discounts and perks to VCU business travelers. Whether you’re heading across the country for a conference or flying overseas for research, traveling on university business just got smoother, cheaper, and a lot more comfortable. What’s Included in the New Agreement? […]
Before Engaging a Firm and Authorizing Work to be Performed
A purchase order or signed agreement may not be the only step required before a firm begins work. Contractor work can trigger access, data, technology, insurance, VCU Facilities Management review, and compliance reviews. Identify those needs before services begin. Identify early whether the contractor will: Reviews that may apply Depending on the engagement, VCU may […]
Why After-the-Fact Purchases Create Problems
When a vendor starts work before the appropriate purchasing method is in place, the problem often shows up later—when the invoice arrives. Without a valid purchase order, the invoice may not have the information needed to route and match correctly in Digital Mailroom (DMR). That can leave Accounts Payable trying to determine who ordered the […]
Your Questions, Our Answers: Virtual Office Hour
When: Tuesdays, 1PM-2PM via Zoom Do you have burning questions or need expert advice to tackle your latest procurement need? Look no further! Why Join Our Virtual Office Hour? What to Expect How to Join Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with our specialists in Procurement Services! 🌟
Airgas eCatalog Launch Update
The launch of the new Airgas eCatalog, originally scheduled for August 14, 2026, has been postponed to allow for additional testing and ensure the catalog is fully functional and ready to provide the best possible experience for the VCU community. We will share an updated go-live date as soon as it is confirmed. Once enabled, […]
Who Signs What? Vendor Contracts at VCU
If a vendor requires VCU to sign any document before you can make a purchase—including online Terms and Conditions (T&Cs), click-through agreements, or even documents associated with a zero-dollar purchase—you must route the document to Procurement Services for review and signature. The purchase amount normally determines how the document should be submitted: Most vendor-supplied agreements […]
Clearer Rules, Smarter Compliance
Procurement Services has rolled out a comprehensive update to the Reimbursable Business Expenses policy, effective August 4, 2026. This update replaces the previous 2024 version to provide clearer definitions, align with IRS guidelines, and streamline how university staff, faculty, students, and non-employees handle out-of-pocket expenses. Reimbursement remains an exception-based procurement path rather than a standard […]
IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rate to $0.76/Mile, Effective July 1, 2026
The IRS has announced a mid-year increase to the standard mileage rate, raising it from $0.725 to $0.76 per mile for business use, effective July 1, 2026, This is a rare off-cycle adjustment. The IRS typically sets this rate once a year, but rising fuel prices prompted the mid-year revision. What this means for VCU […]
