How to Purchase Goods and Services
A number of programs and services are available to facilitate the acquisition of goods and services for faculty and staff at the University. These programs are designed to:
- Streamline processes
- Improve efficiency
- Enhance accountability
- Ensure policy compliance
These programs and services are supported by a variety of tools and methodologies depending on total purchase value.
To reduce the administrative effort when purchasing standard goods or services, contracts have been negotiated with University of Toronto Approved Suppliers. To place an order, see the Supplier Directory.
If the good or non-consulting service* cannot be purchased from an Approved Supplier, the thresholds below determine the acquisition method and associated administrative process based on the University’s Procurement Policy.
* For Consulting, see Consulting Services.
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Under $10,000
Purchases in this threshold include any good or service from a single supplier required for University business.
Options in order of preference are:
- uSOURCE
- Purchasing Card (PCard)
- Purchase Order
- Certified Invoice from supplier
$10,000 to $49,999
Purchases in this threshold typically involve straightforward acquisitions of goods or services, but which may also involve specific requirements for delivery, warranties, or specific terms and conditions requiring negotiation.
uSOURCE
uSOURCE orders may be placed directly without obtaining additional quotations.
FIS Purchase Orders
- A minimum of 2 written quotations are required and kept on file by the unit.
- For instructions and templates, see Invitation to Quote – Standard Operating Procedure.
See also: Supporting Documentation – Invitational Procurement
$50,000 to $99,999
uSOURCE
uSOURCE orders may be placed directly without obtaining additional quotations.
FIS Purchase Orders
- A minimum of 3 written quotations are required and kept on file by the unit. For instructions and templates, see Invitation to Quote – Standard Operating Procedure.
- Purchase Orders will be routed to Procurement Services for review*. See Supporting Documentation – Invitational Procurement for more information.
*UTSC may have different review processes.
$100,000+
To be compliant with internal and external regulatory frameworks, purchases in this threshold must be publicly tendered in a competitive bid process, and referred to Procurement Services:
- For St. George Campus, complete the Competitive Bid Request form
- For UTM and UTSC, email your respective procurement campus contact