IX. Purchasing Policies and Procedures

To make purchases from vendors outside of the Campus and University, a "Request To Purchase" form (available from faculty secretaries) must be completed and taken to Business Services. Please attach documentation pertaining to the purchase to the form. Business Services will determine the proper procedure and issue an LPO or a Requisition.

Requisitions are used to generate Purchase Orders; these are issued by Purchasing and forwarded to the vendor. Please remember not to place an order directly with a vendor when a PO has been requested, as this will cause duplicate orders to be shipped

LPO's must be obtained from Business Services before an order is placed, and are good for purchases up to $500. LPOs cover most items that would be considered supplies and materials, unless the University has a contract with a vendor to supply certain items and services. If an LPO is issued the LPO number must be included on the vendor's invoice in order to ensure prompt payment.

The University has a contract with Office Depot for supplemental office supplies (items unavailable in the Supply Room). This is online ordering and the Internet location is http://bsdnet.officedepot.com. Contact Business Services for logon ID and password.

Because Miami University is a state-assisted institution there are policies and regulations regarding purchasing procedures including the required bidding process. Business Services can assist in determining if there are special steps, which your request will require. The official Miami University Purchasing Handbook is available online at http://www.muohio.edu/accountspayable, then choose the link to the handbook.