Doing Business with USF
Getting Started
Interested in doing business with USF for the first time or expanding business to other areas? Start here!
1. Understand Purchasing At USF
USF operates on a semi-centralized purchasing model. In most instances, individual
departments determine their specific needs and communicate with suppliers to engage
them in a wide variety of commodities and services. In select instances where it
is impactful to do so for large spend commodities, USF Procurement sources and awards
contracts centrally.
Procurement & Payment Services (PPS) supports the departmental sourcing efforts described
above and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
| Competitive Bid (Public Solicitation Events) | Competitive Quote |
|---|---|
| Purchases ≥ $150, 000, which are not classified under an exemption or single source
by Florida Statutes, must be bid competitively and publicly. This is done through a formal ITN or ITB process. USF also has the ability to "piggyback" on other publicy agency contracts which have been competitively bid. For specific information on the competitive bid process visit our Opportunities Page. |
Purchases < $150,000 are required to have up to three (3) competitive quotes, depending on the total cost of purchase, before a purchase is approved. |
| PCard Payment | Small dollar purchases may be made through phone or web with PCard. | ||
| PO Issuance | POs are typically issued for purchases which exceed PCard limits, are complex in nature, or have long engagements. Invoices related to PO's are paid through Accounts Payable. | ||
| Contract Execution | Contracts are executed when you (the supplier) requests a signature, or if the term spans multiple years or has inherent risk or complexity associated. Once a contract is executed, the department may use PCard to pay for goods or services as they are delivered, or issue a PO. | ||
2. Register as a supplier
Suppliers are encouraged to register with USF if you are interested in doing business with us. The registration process allows you to setup a Supplier Profile, which is searchable by USF Buyers who want to connect with you. A Supplier Profile is also required to receive payment from Accounts Payable, or to participate in Competitive Bids.
3. develop your business
USF Supplier Development and Engagement provides mentorship programs to support the growth of small businesses, and can help suppliers gain certification as a diverse supplier.
4. Find Opportunities
- Contact our Administrative Units
Suppliers can view USF Tampa departments listed by their Administrative Units, as well as visit the USF Sarasota-Manatee and USF St. Petersburg websites to contact departments to market their commodities and services. Suppliers should make an appointment with a specific USF employee before arriving on any campus for an in-person meeting. - Visit our Solicitation (Competitive Bid) Portal
Procurement Services leads public solicitation events to acquire certain commodities and services which are widely used by USF or meet a certain spend threshold currently designated by the Florida Board of Governors regulations. For more information on participating in Public Solicatation Events, see Solicitation Instructions for Suppliers
- Speak with a Strategic Category Manager.
Our team of Strategic Category Manager can work with you to identify areas of need across the USF community and can facilitate introductions. Additionally, they can work with you to answer questions related to purchasing and spend at USF.
- Consider competing for public contracts with the State of Florida
USF routinely makes use of existing supplier contracts with the State of Florida. For information on current State of Florida opportunities please visit the Florida Department of Management Services site.
5. Understand our Code of Ethics.
USF Policy 0-027 Florida Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees
USF Regulation 4.02000 Purchasing - Statement of Intent
To meet the University of South Florida's mission, Procurement Services provides management,
oversight to acquire quality commodities and contractual services while promoting
fair and open competition in the public procurement process. Responsible Purchasing
officials shall be protected from improper pressures of external political or business
interests. The process shall reduce the appearance and opportunity for favoritism,
ensure contracts are awarded equitably and economically, and establish effective management
oversight in the acquisition of commodities and contractual services to preserve the
integrity of public purchasing and contracting.
USF Regulation 4.02010(IV)(B) Purchasing - Standards of Conduct
It is a breach of ethical standards for any employee of the University of South Florida
to accept, solicit, or agree to accept a gratuity of any kind, form, or type in connection
with any contract for commodities or services. It is also a breach of ethical standards
for any potential contractor to offer an employee of USF a gratuity of any kind, form,
or type to influence the development of a contract or potential contract for commodities
or service.
6. Understand our Terms and Conditions
All USF Purchase Orders have standard Terms and Conditions. In instances where USF has an executed contract with a supplier, the the terms and conditions of that contract will apply.
7. Payment
Please visit our Invoicing & Payment page for more information.
8. Tax Exemption
USF is a tax exempt organization in the State of Florida. You can access our current tax exemption certificate HERE .