Contracts and Purchasing Services
Contracts and Purchasing Services supports University of Idaho’s mission by managing a transparent, cost-effective and compliant procurement process. Each year, we help departments acquire a wide range of goods and services – from livestock and laboratory equipment to computers, software and office supplies.
As stewards of public resources, our office ensures that university purchases align with federal, state and institutional policies while promoting fiscal responsibility, accountability and fairness. We serve as partners to both departments and vendors, working together to support the university’s academic, research and operational goals.
Our responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and processing requisitions and purchase documents
- Soliciting and evaluating bids and proposals
- Negotiating contracts on behalf of the university
- Developing and maintaining contract templates and terms
- Executing purchasing agreements
- Keeping official records of university purchases
Product and services bids waivers and notifications
University of Idaho uses JAGGAER Sourcing Module to manage all new bids and bid waivers. Please review the JAGGAER Vendor Bidding Guide to get started.
Vendor information
Vendor policies and procedures
The following policies and procedures apply to vendors interested in doing business with University of Idaho:
- Vendors should send a cover letter, along with a product line card by email requesting to be placed on Purchasing Services' vendor list.
- Vendors should never accept an order from anyone from the university without being presented with a University Purchasing Card, or a valid University of Idaho Purchase Order. University of Idaho is not liable for payment of any invoice that does not reference a valid university purchase order number.
- University General Terms and Conditions are included with all bid forms as well as purchase orders.
- Departmental administrators and staff are not authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the university. Contracts for purchases of products or services must be reviewed by the manager of Purchasing Services or their designee.
- The university may utilize internal departments' contracts, proposed solicitations or other local, state or federal agencies to purchase goods or services.
- The Purchasing Services Decentralization Program allows university departments to obtain quotations for goods and/or services estimated to be no more than $50,000. Quotations must be obtained in writing. Purchasing Services reviews the quotations and reserves the right to verify and/or amend the quotations as necessary.
- All transactions for goods totaling greater than $10,000 must be competitively bid and administered by Contracts and Purchasing Services. All service agreements greater than $25,000 must be competitively bid by Contracts and Purchasing Services.
- Please note that contracting is a regulated activity in the state of Idaho and per Idaho Code 54-5204 some contractors are required to register and be licensed by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses. For more information on registration please visit the Idaho Bureau of Occupational License webpage.
Payments from the university
Receive timely and accurate payments for your business transactions through U of I Accounts Payable.
University sales tax information
University of Idaho is exempt from Idaho State sales tax. Sales tax payments will not be made for materials, work or services purchased by the university. Exceptions to this include payment of Federal Gasoline Tax, Room Tax (hotels, motels, etc.), Tariff Rates (movers) and purchases made out-of-state where the employee picks up goods.
Vendors requiring proof of the university's exempt status should contact Purchasing Services at purchasing@uidaho.edu.
Purchasing terms and conditions
All University of Idaho procurements must adhere to General Terms and Conditions.
University procurements supported by grant funding, must adhere to the FAR Terms and Conditions, in addition to the general terms and conditions.
Contact information
Contracts and Purchasing Services can be reached at purchasing@uidaho.edu or 208-885-6116.