Planning a HEETF Purchase? Contact Procurement Services Early
The Higher Education Equipment Trust Fund (HEETF) helps VCU departments purchase equipment for instruction and research. If your department is planning a HEETF-funded purchase, Procurement Services encourages you to reach out early, especially for specialized equipment, high-dollar purchases, or items with long delivery times. Why start early? Some equipment purchases require competitive solicitations, supplier coordination, […]
Explore the New Procurement Services Website During Today’s Office Hours
VCU Procurement Services invites faculty and staff to join today’s Procurement Office Hours, Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 1 to 2 p.m., for a review of our updated website. The session will highlight the website’s features, navigation and resources designed to help the VCU community find procurement information more easily. Attendees will have an opportunity to […]
Savoring the Selection: America To Go Vendor Showcase Comes to MCV Campus!
Following a successful kickoff at Monroe Park Campus, VCU Procurement Services is bringing Savoring the Selection: America To Go Vendor Showcase to MCV Campus on Monday, November 2! Whether you’re planning a department meeting, staff appreciation lunch, or campus event, finding the right catering options just got easier. Through VCU’s America To Go e-catalog, faculty […]
Using Placeholder Requisitions to Request RFPs and Other Solicitations
If you need Purchasing to run a competitive solicitation, such as an RFP, start by submitting a requisition in RealSource. You do not need to select a vendor first. Why a requisition comes first A requisition is your request for Purchasing to begin work. It is not a solicitation or a purchase order. It gives […]
Savoring the Selection: A Taste of What’s Possible
Procurement Services welcomed the VCU community on Monday, October 5, to Savoring the Selection: America To Go Vendor Showcase. The afternoon brought together great food, meaningful connections, and an opportunity to explore a variety of catering options available for meetings, programs, and events across VCU. Guests had the opportunity to meet and sample offerings from […]
Keeping Purchase Orders on Track When Work Changes
When the Scope or Cost Changes, Update the PO First. Having a purchase order does not mean a vendor has unlimited authorization to continue working. The PO covers the approved scope and amount. If either changes, address the change before the vendor performs the additional work. A common example A PO is issued for $5,000 […]
Work Started Without a PO? Here’s What to Do
If goods and/or services have already been ordered or a vendor has started work without the required purchase order, contact Procurement Services as soon as you recognize the issue. Do not wait until the invoice arrives to address it. What happens next? When VCU has committed to the delivery and acceptance of goods and services […]
VCU to Retire Vantage Point Logistics Freight Program
VCU will retire the Vantage Point Logistics (VPL) Freight Program effective September 28, 2026. Departments do not need to take any action as a result of this change. Departments should continue placing orders through their normal procurement processes. There is no need to contact vendors, provide a VCU shipping account number, or make changes to […]
Airgas eCatalog Update and Upcoming Training Sessions
VCU Procurement Services is excited to announce the launch of the new Airgas RealSource e-catalog. Beginning September 21, 2026, departments scheduling gas orders and delivery will use the Aigas RealSource e-catalog — simplifying order placement, billing, and vendor coordination. VCU departments will be able to purchase industrial, medical and specialty gases, laboratory and safety products, […]
Before You Submit a Requisition in RealSource
A little information up front can make a requisition easier to review and process. Before submitting in RealSource, include the documentation and details Purchasing will need to understand the request and determine the appropriate procurement path. What to include Depending on the purchase, this may include: Helpful comments are welcome The comments field can also […]
