VCU Procurement Services

Fostering a community of financial advocacy at VCU!

Category results for: Blog Series

Using a Cooperative Contract: What to Check First

A cooperative contract can be an efficient way to purchase goods or services, but it is not automatically available for every VCU need. Send the contract details to Procurement Services before relying on a cooperative contract. Why cooperative contracts can help Cooperative contracts may provide access to competitively established pricing and negotiated terms while reducing […]

Choosing the Right Procurement Path

The right procurement method depends on the total contract value, what VCU is buying, and whether competition or an exception applies. Procurement Services can help identify the appropriate path before a department selects or commits to a vendor. Request for Proposal (RFP) Formal process used when VCU needs to evaluate factors beyond price and may […]

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: Why timing matters A purchase may require sourcing, […]