VCU Procurement Services

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, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

The correct process for changing a purchase order depends on the type of PO, whether invoices have been processed, and what needs to be updated. Common changes Use a Change Request to: For an index, account code, or accounting change, do not simply overwrite accounting on a line with prior activity. Reduce the original line […]

Beginning August 14, 2026, VCU departments will be able to purchase industrial, medical and specialty gases, laboratory and safety products, welding supplies, and related items through the new Airgas eCatalog in RealSource. The catalog will appear under Scientific & Medical in the RealSource Showcase and will provide direct access to VCU pricing while streamlining requisition […]

A Change Request is generally needed when a purchase order no longer reflects the expected price, quantity, funding, scope, or remaining balance. When the change is known in advance Submit a Change Request before the vendor provides additional goods or services when: Cancel or liquidate? For more detail, review Keeping POs Clean: Best Practices in […]

When you’re buying from an existing contract, link the contract to your RealSource requisition before you submit it. This matters most for purchases under $10,000, where the requisition typically becomes a purchase order without review by a Procurement Services buyer. If you don’t link the contract, no one else will. Why linking matters Linking connects […]

RealSource will be unavailable due to a scheduled system update beginning Friday, July 17, at 9:00 PM through Sunday, July 19, at 12:00 PM while Release 26.2 is deployed. This is a minor software release, and only minimal changes are included. Users should plan accordingly and complete any time-sensitive transactions before the scheduled downtime. Thank you for your patience and understanding […]

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, […]