Univerisity Procurement Office

University of Massachusetts > Use of Purchasing Contracts

Use of Purchasing Contracts

Non-competitive purchases, without benefit of public bids or a recognized contract, must be $5000 or less in value. The University recognizes four types of contracts, competitively bid, which enable departments to order materials in excess of the $5,000 limit without further bidding:

These contracts leverage the University's combined buying power. In exchange, the contract participants offer special pricing based on the vendor's anticipation of business to be realized during the contract term.

Departments are encouraged to use contracts, regardless of the dollar amount to realize savings, to support the intent of the contract, and to meet Board of Trustee requirements. Note that a University purchasing contract should always take precedence over any similar contract that might be offered by any other contracting entity.

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