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Purchasing Policies & Procedures
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Consider buying on campus first

University Resources

University Resources refers to Campus Stores or departments that either stock and sell merchandise or provide services to the University community.

All University departments are directed to utilize the University Resources, which are listed below, for all services and items normally stocked or readily available through contracts that University Resources maintains with off-campus vendors.

Internal Transaction Forms (ITs) are typically used to make purchases from University Resources. For more detailed procedures, contact the appropriate University Resource or the Office of Accounting Services.


Then consider buying on State Contract

State Contracts

State contracts are contracts set up by state purchasing with numerous vendors for the purchase of various specified items for a given period of time.

The University has the option of purchasing against these state contracts without the necessity of developing specifications or requesting bids, which means purchase orders may be placed immediately for a faster delivery. Also, because of the volume associated with state purchases, the prices are very competitive.

State contracts may be viewed at the following address: http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/osp.htm


Buying from vendors off campus

Authority To Purchase

Except as noted below, no one is authorized to commit the University to any purchase without the advance approval of the Office of Purchasing. [see also: authority to sign contracts]

Authorization to purchase goods and services in the amount of $1000 or less has been delegated by the Executive Director of Procurement Services to deans, directors, and department heads. However, purchasing policy must be complied with or this authority may be revoked.

When an emergency situation exists that requires an immediate
purchase, the Office of Purchasing is to be contacted for assistance, if time permits. If the Office of Purchasing cannot be contacted, the department is to proceed in a prudent manner and then report transaction to the Office of Purchasing. [see: emergency purchases].


Purchasing Procedures

All purchases are to be made in accordance with procedures established pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 39. Small purchases (any procurement not exceeding $25,000) may be made in accordance with procedures prescribed by Small Purchase Procedures Executive Order (reference Louisiana R.S. 39:1596). Procurement requirements shall not be artificially divided so as to constitute a small purchase, as described in this section.

Small Purchase Procedures Executive Order, may be viewed at the following address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/other/bj08-67.htm

Public works contracts (construction, remodeling, and additions) are to be made in accordance with procedures established pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 38 and must be coordinated through Facility Development or Facility Services and the Office of Purchasing.


Requisitions and Specifications

In general, a PRO on-line requisition is required for all purchases of supplies, materials, equipment, and services purchased from off-campus vendors when the total cost exceeds $1000.

All full-time faculty and staff are automatically given PROPUBLIC security which allows requisitions, purchase order alterations and receiving reports to be created - no special authorizations are required.

PROAUTH security is required to electronically approve requisitions, bid tabulations and purchase order alterations. All requests for PROAUTH security must be submitted to and approved by the Chief Procurement Officer using Form PUR600: PRO Electronic Signature Authorization.

It is important to provide adequate specifications on the requisition form. See: Tips for Preparing Specifications.


Purchasing Requirements Within Specified Dollar Range


La Carte Purchasing Card

“La Carte” is a credit card issued to authorized employees for the purpose of making low dollar purchases.

La Carte is intended to simplify your buying process and improve your cycle time from ordering to payment. Typical examples of items that may qualify for this program include books, subscriptions, computer accessories, materials, and supplies.

La Carte is “programmed” with a range of information: the cardholder’s identity; the account number and object code to which purchases are to be charged; dollar limits for cardholder’s purchases— defaults are $1000/transaction, $1000/vendor/day, $30,000 per month; and the types of merchants (merchant category code (MCC)) that can or cannot be utilized.

For complete details as well as information on how to apply, click here: La Carte Purchasing Card.

 

 

 

Purchasing Office
213 Thomas Boyd Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225) 578-2176 / Fax: (225) 578-2292 / Email: purchase@lsu.edu

 

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