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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
