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Buying Staff & Responsibilities
This Vendor Information Guide is designed to familiarize you with the purchasing policies and procedures of the University of Missouri. The University values its relationship with the vendor community and believes the information provided in this guide will enhance this partnership.
If you have any questions or comments that are not addressed in this Guide, please call or visit our office at:
MU Procurement Services
113 Heinkel Building
Columbia, Missouri 65211-3201
Phone: (573) 882-3201
Fax: (573) 882-5417
Hours of Operation
Regular Business Hours:
7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Summer Hours:
7:30 am to 4:00 p.m.
Free visitor parking is availabe in the front of our building. To visit other departments on campus, parking is available in most staff lots WITH a parking permit. To purchase a permit, Contact Parking & Transportation Services at (573) 882-4568.
Heather Turner , Senior Buyer (573) 882-7171
Buyer Assistant: Jeanne Kelley (573) 882-3205
Backup Buyers: Jim Crossley & Kevin Summers
Angie Lair, Senior Buyer(573) 882-9778
Buyer Assistant: Terri Noblin (573) 882-6907
Backup Buyer: Joetta Gross
Jim Crossley, Senior Buyer (573) 882-5066
Buyer Assistant: Amy Andrews (573) 882-5059
Backup Buyer: Kevin Summers & Heather Turner
Joetta Gross, Senior Buyer (573) 882-5058
Buyer Assistant: Amy Andrews (573) 882-5059
Backup Buyer: Angie Lair
Kevin Summers, Senior Buyer (573) 884-8797
Buyer Assistant: Jeanne Kelley (573) 882-3205
Backup Buyer: Jim Crossley & Heather Turner
Sherri Wood, Manager(573) 882-0683
Administrative Assistant: Marcia Brewer (573) 882-3208
MU Procurement Services is responsible for the organization and administration of consistent, fair and effective purchasing activities for all University of Missouri-Columbia departments. Our goal is to meet the end-users' needs while obtaining the maximum value for every dollar spent. And in doing so, we are bound to comply with the policies set by the Board of Curators and University administration.
To achieve this goal, MU Procurement Services has the authority and responsibility for the following:
For most purchases of $10,000 or more, competitive bids are requested. Bids are sent to vendors by MU Procurement Services, and are typically open for a minimum two-week period. This time period might be adjusted for specific situations. Likewise, urgent requests may be faxed to selected vendors with a quick turnaround time. Faxed responses to MU Procurement Services are acceptable only in those cases when specifically allowed in the bid specifications.
MU Procurement Services Buying Staff is diligent in their issuance of bids to vendors who they know are interested and capable of providing the respective goods or services. However, since we are unable to send every bid request to all vendors in our procurement system, we invite vendors to view a listing of our open bids on our website:
Please contact MU Procurement Services to obtain an official copy of any bid request listed on our website.
Competitive Proposals
Some acquisitions may be better suited to the competitive proposal process, as opposed to regular bidding. A Request for Proposal (RFP) outlines the University's needs for a particular good or service, and the specific criteria to be used in evaluating the responses. With this method, vendors are provided an opportunity to propose a tangible means/process to meet the specified needs. The University will evaluate the responses received to determine the lowest and best proposal.
Purchase Orders
University purchase orders may be issued as a result of a bid or proposal, or on a direct order basis if the transaction is not required to be competitively bid.
Each purchase order (PO) includes the University's standard terms and conditions governing the transaction, as well as the requirements of the specific transaction. The respective PO number must be indicated on all packages, shipping documents, invoices, and correspondence pertaining to the order.
Purchasing Card
The University utilizes MasterCard purchasing cards, issued by JPMorgan Chase. This program is designed to provide an efficient means of making small, routine purchases and payments. Some restrictions, such as dollar limits and commodity/service exclusions, have been built into the cards, and will cause these types of purchases to be denied at the point of sale.
An original receipt must be provided by the vendor for each card transaction. The receipt should include the vendor name, transaction amount, date, and an itemized description of the items purchased.
Vendor registration forms may be obtained by contacting MU Procurement Services at (573) 882-3208. Completing this form will allow the vendor to be entered into the procurement system. However, vendors are encouraged to make contact with the appropriate buyer, and to routinely review the bid opportunities listed on MU Procurement Services website.
In accordance with University policy, preference shall be given to Missouri products, materials, services and firms when the goods or services to be provided are equally or better suited for the intended purpose and can be obtained without additional cost. Firms are considered "Missouri firms" if they maintain a regular place of business in the State of Missouri.
It is the policy of the University of Missouri to ensure full and equitable economic opportunities to persons and businesses that compete for business with the University. The University expects participation in contracts for goods and services by firms that are certified as Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). This may either be by the primary contractor being a qualified M/WBE or by the utilization of M/WBE suppliers by the primary contractor. Contractors are required to make a "best effort" in support of the University's policy.
In connection with the furnishing of any goods or services to the University, Vendors shall agree not to discriminate against any recipients of services or employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a Vietnam era veteran. Vendors shall comply with federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to subcontractors of government contracts including those relating to equal employment of minorities, women, persons with disabilities and certain veterans.
All deliveries to the University of Missouri must be made FOB Destination, with all transportation charges fully prepaid and allowed.
Delivered items are subject to inspection and approval by the University. Items that do not meet the contract specifications, or are not delivered in good condition, are subject to rejection.
The University's standard payment term is Net 30. Every effort is made to issue payments within this time frame. However, the University will not pay finance charges for extended payment periods.
When evaluating bid responses, only cash discounts having a period of 30
days or more will be taken into consideration.
Discounts will be taken from the date of receipt of the invoice or actual
goods/services, whichever is later.
University employees are prohibited from receiving any financial interest or personal gain which may influence or effect University purchasing decisions. Any such attempt may, at a minimum, lead to disqualification of a vendor. It is preferred that incentives to the University be expressed in terms of quality, service and price.