Procurement Office

Buyers' Guide and Ordering Procedures

Buyers Guide

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  1. Sourcing suppliers
    The University of Sussex is member of several regional and national purchasing consortiums such as the SUPC (Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium) which lets agreements and contracts on behalf of the HE Sector. The Consortium maintains links to GeM which contains the HE Sector Contract Database. To access the database 'Log in via the Institution' using your normal IT services user name and password.  Other, more localised information about our suppliers can be found on our Information on our Supply Agreements link.  If you need assistance,  please contact the the Procurement Office.
  2. Have you checked other suppliers for price and value for money ?
    It is an important part of the University's procurement policy that the delegation tables on page nine of the Procurement Policy, Section One, are complied with. Additionally, purchasers should always consider whether value for money is being obtained when buying goods and services. Comparing prices, specifications, options and offers between suppliers is a key part of this process.
  3. Methods of transacting with suppliers 
    University procurement cards can be a convenient way to pay for low value products, and can cut the costs of procurement. If you think that a procurement card would be appropriate for your use, please read the cardholder guide on the Purchasing Cards page. If it is not appropriate to pay suppliers using a procurement card it is essential that an Official Purchase Requisition is raised on the Agresso finance system at the time of ordering goods or services. To do otherwise will cause considerable administrative burdens and supplier invoices may not be paid.
  4. Have you confirmed the delivery point/time with the supplier?
    Make sure that when the order is placed you have confirmed the delivery details, although most suppliers will have a delivery point linked with an account number.

This guide should make procurement a straightforward process. If you have any problems, please contact the Procurement Office on ext 8143/3946/3308.