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If not required or preferred, what are the attributes I should consider before using a vendor?

Purchasing or servicing with a vendor is not as simple as "lowest cost" or "best overall value." As a steward of university funds, and state funds, there are important considerations to question before placing an order or service request.

  • Have you investigated all diverse vendor options? If not, please see the Supplier Diversity website for information on how to find minority vendors.
  • Have you considered all local, Buy Ohio, or Made-in America options? Please contact Procurement for assistance.
  • Is the vendor a member of a valid consortium agreement or State of Ohio contract? The university may benefit from rebates or pricing discounts, if yes, please contact Procurement for assistance and regulations.
  • Do the good(s)/service(s) to be procured include software, computer hardware, digital content, web-based information or applications, or 3rd party web services (such as marketing, research, monitoring.)? If yes, please review policy 4-16 that promotes equal access to all persons.
  • Is there a personal relationship between a university employee and the referenced vendor? If yes, a form must be completed as found on the Procurement website.
  • Will the vendor have access to classified Â鶹ÊÓƵ data? And/or will the vendor need to share this institutional data with partners to accomplish its mission? If yes, a security risk assessment must be performed prior to purchase or award.
  • Is the vendor in compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements of ? If not, you may not use this vendor as subject to the Ohio Revised Code and university policy.