Purchasing

International Shipping

With the expansion of international activities and research projects at the University, UBS, Export Control, and Tax and Compliance have noted increased concerns from departments regarding international shipping, such as customs-related delays.

Here are some helpful reminders and considerations for international shipping:

  • Shippers/Shipping Suppliers
    • FedEx/UPS: FedEx/UPS: Accounts Payable manages the billing and payment of shipping providers like UPS and FedEx. You can find instructions to set up an account with FedEx/UPS and manage billing through Accounts Payable here.
    • Nippon Express: Departments can utilize Nippon Express as a customs broker, to handle all necessary documentation and ensure smooth customs clearance for international shipments.  They also provide specialized handling for hazardous and sensitive items in consideration of international regulations.
  • Shipping Considerations
    • Is the item hazardous/dangerous?
    • Does the item require any specific licenses?
    • Have I completed all customs documentation accurately? Missing or incorrect information can lead to significant delays
    • Am I aware of the destination country’s regulations regarding restricted or prohibited items? Shipping restricted goods can result in delays, fines, or the return of the shipment.

Continue reading

Hotel & Events Services Form Request

By Popular Demand, Procurement Services introduces the new Hotel & Event Services request form!

Did you know that you can use your Travel Card for purchases such as hotel room blocks and catering for events?  To provide the University community with guidance and a method of managing requests pertaining to hotel and event services that are being paid via a Travel Card and require a document to be signed, a new form is available in HuskyBuy on the Home Shopping Page under Internal Request Forms. Continue reading

Bid Threshold Increase Reminder

As a reminder, our Bid Threshold has increased. With that, a few things to remember. When completing our non-catalog requisition forms, you will notice there are more Sourcing Dollar Threshold selections to choose from. Please pay close attention to the selection that best suits your requirements.

Changes were implemented on October 1, 2023.

For more details read the full announcement.

Announcing Bid Threshold Increases and Prequalification Process Changes

University Business Services has worked with Government Relations and other state entities including UConn Health, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, and the Department of Administrative Services, to propose Bill SB1184 to increase to the State of Connecticut’s public bid thresholds and simplify the prequalification process for construction contractors.

Changes will be implemented on October 1, 2023.

For more details read the full announcement.

Guidelines for Surplus & Equipment Share Opportunities

The terms and conditions of sponsored awards may have specific requirements for the acquisition of equipment, such as the National Science Foundation, which requires that before equipment is purchased the grantee assures the same or similar equipment is not otherwise reasonably available and accessible. Further, 2 CFR OMB part 200 Uniform Guidance 200.318 lays out the requirements for equipment purchases with federal funds. The rationale for these regulations is that shared use of existing equipment promotes availability of equipment on university campuses, reduces unnecessary duplication of equipment, and frees up federal funds to further the aims and objectives of the award.

For more information download Guidelines for Surplus & Equipment Share Opportunities.

New GovConnection Contract

The University recently issued a bid jointly with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) in order to obtain direct contracts with IT suppliers and resellers.  One of the primary goals of this joint effort was to use combined bargaining power to obtain best-in-class discount rates for commonly purchased IT goods and services across Connecticut’s public universities.  Continue reading

DATTCO Motorcoach Transportation Partner

bus icon

Effective July 1, 2021, the University has partnered with DATTCO as its exclusive motorcoach transportation partner.

DATTCO has enjoyed a successful business relationship with UConn over many years, serving the University in various capacities. These services include transportation for the Athletics department and some of their highest-profile teams, student group and activity transportation, and service trips such as Habitat for Humanity or Alternative Spring Break.

Read More

UConn Emphasizes Economic Inclusion in Mission of Ensuring Diversity and Equity

Supplier diversity is critical to UConn and the state of Connecticut and UConn has a demonstrated commitment to economic inclusion in contracting for goods and services. To measure an institution’s commitment to diversity and equity, it’s not enough to boast about student enrollment figures, employee hiring statistics, and academic curricula that demonstrate inclusion of underrepresented populations.

Read more from UConn Today

ACQUIRING COVID-19 PROTECTION ITEMS

Faculty, staff and researchers who cannot do their jobs from home and are approved by a department head or dean can submit requests through online web forms for face masks, hand sanitizer, pre-packaged disinfectant spray with paper towels and gloves through University Business Services. Other PPE can also be obtained during the normal procurement process through HuskyBuy. The provisions apply to employees at the Storrs and regional campuses, along with the agricultural extension offices.  For additional information please visit : https://uconn.edu/public-notification/coronavirus/covid-19-campus-operations/

 

W.B. Mason on HuskyBuy!

Huskybuy Logo

WB Mason logo

We are excited to announce that W.B. Mason will be joining our team of office supply vendors!

W.B. Mason will provide UConn with competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, and fast & free delivery on all of their office supply products. Take advantage of their product offerings through their on-line catalog, which is anticipated to go live in HuskyBuy on Monday, March 2, 2020.

With W.B. Mason, you can expect:

  • Free Desktop Delivery by uniformed W.B. Mason drivers
  • No order minimums
  • A dedicated customer support team located in CT

W.B. Mason Flyer