Bring Procurement Services in early — before you sign!
If a purchase involves a vendor contract, quote, order form, or online terms, contact Procurement Services before you sign or accept.
Starting early helps identify the right purchasing path and allows time for any required reviews before the product or service is needed.
Contact Procurement Services when:
- A vendor contract, quote, order form, or terms and conditions are involved
- The request is new, complex, time-sensitive, or may require competition
- An existing cooperative contract may apply
- You are renewing, amending, or extending an agreement
- The vendor will work on campus, access VCU systems, or handle university data
- You need help determining the appropriate procurement method
Why timing matters
A purchase may require sourcing, negotiation, legal review, technology or accessibility review, approvals, or signature routing. Beginning early provides time to address those items before a deadline creates unnecessary pressure.
Only individuals with the appropriate delegated authority may sign binding agreements on VCU’s behalf. That authority may vary by position, dollar amount, and document type.
What to send
When you contact Procurement Services, include:
- A brief description of the product or service
- Your intended need-by date
- The vendor name
- The full vendor document, including exhibits, online terms, quotes, order forms, and renewal language
📌 Need help? Start a request through RealSource or contact [email protected].
Categories Procurement Services