Purchasing Resource Services
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Preferred Vendors

Personal Purchases

Bid Process

For Vendors

 
Policy and Procedures
    Travel & Entertainment     Policy/Procedures
    Conflict of Interest Policy
    Signature Authority/Approvals
    Tax-Exempt Information
    PO Terms & Conditions
    Credit Application Process
    Contractor Insurance
         Requirements
    Purchasing Forms
    Purchasing Definitions
 
General Information
    Supplier Diversity Program
    Surplus Property Exchange
    Contact Us
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Shipping Term Definitions
 
Related Departments
    University Services
    Travel Services
    Office of General Counsel
    Financial Systems
    Ethics Point

Purchasing Resource Services (PRS)

To access iBuyNU, visit the NUPortal.

Our new online shopping tool, iBuyNU, is now live. iBuyNU allows you to order
from NU Preferred Vendors online. By combining this shopping tool with NU Financials, it will be easier and more cost-effective to purchase supplies and goods at the University. Orders can be placed online and electronic invoices are automatically sent to Accounts Payable. Purchases made in iBuyNU do not have to be approved by PRS because they are preffered vendors. To access iBuyNU, visit the NUPortal.

*NEW* The summer 2009 issue of PRS' Newsletter "Dollars & Sense" is now online! Learn about the changes we're making, new vendor contracts, ways your department can save money and more...

PRS Primary Responsibilities

The University maintains a decentralized purchasing environment. Purchasing Resource Services (PRS), which is part of University Services, exists to keep departments and schools informed of purchasing opportunities and help them make good, best value purchasing decisions. Our three primary responsibilities are as follows:

  1. Preferred Vendor Contracts and Pricing Agreements .

  2. Develop and maintain purchasing forms and templates.

  3. Perform or assist with competitive bid solicitations and/or manage the procurement process on behalf of departments and schools. (Contact Us)

Related responsibilities:

  • Manage the Supplier Diversity Program
  • Manage the Surplus Property Exchange
  • Provide assistance with completion of vendor credit applications (bank and trade reference information)
  • Maintain tax exempt status information (for Illinois and other states)
  • Develop small business plans for PI's to submit with proposals for federal grants
  • Organize Info Sessions to inform faculty and staff of Purchasing and University Services programs
  • Assist with organizing Vendor Shows for faculty and staff with vendors that have contracts or agreements with the University
  • Contract administration (for agreements established by PRS)
  • Problem resolution (invoice disputes, performance issues)
  • Research cost savings opportunities
  • Provide general purchasing advice to departments and schools
  • Maintain a procurement process with integrity that will ensure fair and equitable treatment of all vendors who deal with the University