Welcome to Columbia University Purchasing

The following is a listing of goods and services and the approved University purchasing mechanism for each. Departments should use this guide to determine the way to procure and pay for goods and services at the University. Below is a brief guide on how to use the Mechanism tool.

How To Use The Guide

Search for the type of product or services that you are looking to purchase. Once you have located the type you can then view the approved University Purchasing Mechanism for that commodity. For many commodities there may be more than one approved Purchasing Mechanism depending on the total dollar value of your purchase.

For many of the products and services there are University preferred suppliers (UwPA's) available and are to be utilized in accordance with University policy. To view the listing of University preferred suppliers please visit the Preferred Vendor. Additional information including contact for the University's account representatives is located on the vendor website.

Please note that any purchase of a good or service that requires on-site installation services, and is not with a preferred vendor, requires a central Purchase Order.

If you are unable to find the commodity you are looking for or are unsure what category your purchase falls under, please email purchasing@columbia.edu and a member of the Purchasing Office will contact you within 48 hours.

• Goods and Services (Non Construction and Non Consulting) - Mechanism Guide
  Goods and Services (Non Construction and Non Consulting) is the largest and most diverse category of goods and services. The goods and services in this listing cover medical, laboratory, scientific, furniture, office supplies, computer hardware/software, temporary staffing, advertising, utilities and more.
• Construction Related Services- Mechanism Guide
  Construction Related Services lists the mechanisms for construction and facilities operations related services. This list is broken out into a separate section due to the Policy requirement that all such services are coordinated or approved by Facilities departments. The procurement mechanisms are based on the vendor's qualification to work for the University and their current status as a preferred vendor. For further information on the policies related to construction related services please refer to the Facilities website at http://facilities.columbia.edu/documents-policies.
• Service Providers - Mechanism Guide
  Service Providers lists the procurement mechanisms for use with service providers (aka consultants). This list is broken out into a separate section as in many cases, for example, there are service agreements that must also accompany a purchase order. For further information on the policies related to Service Providers please visit the Service Agreeement website. Procurement Service Agreement Mechanism Guide