Doing Business with USF

Getting Started

Interested in doing business with USF for the first time or expanding business to other areas? Start here! 

1. Understand Purchasing At USF  

USF operates on a semi-centralized purchasing model.鈥� In most instances, individual departments determine their specific needs and communicate with suppliers to engage them in a wide variety of鈥痗ommodities鈥痑nd services.  In select instances where it is impactful to do so for large spend commodities, USF Procurement sources and awards contracts centrally. 

Procurement & Payment Services (PPS) supports the departmental sourcing efforts described above and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and policies.鈥�

In general, there are two ways to do business with USF:
Competitive Bid (Public Solicitation Events) Competitive Quote
Purchases 鈮� $150, 000, which are not classified under an exemption or single source by 51在线 Statutes, must be bid competitively and publicly. 
This is done through a formal ITN or ITB process. USF also has the ability to "piggyback" on other publicy agency contracts which have been competitively bid.  For specific information on the competitive bid process visit our Opportunities Page. 		 Purchases < $150,000 are required to have up to three (3) competitive quotes, depending on the total cost of purchase, before a purchase is approved. 
When a quote is accepted, or bid awarded the next step may be:
PCard Payment Small dollar purchases may be made through phone or web with PCard.
PO Issuance POs are typically issued for purchases which exceed PCard limits, are complex in nature, or have long engagements.  Invoices related to PO's are paid through Accounts Payable.  
Contract Execution Contracts are executed when you (the supplier) requests a signature, or if the term spans multiple years or has inherent risk or complexity associated.  Once a contract is executed, the department may use PCard to pay for goods or services as they are delivered, or issue a PO. 

2. Register as a supplier

Suppliers are encouraged to register with USF if you are interested in doing business with us.  The registration process allows you to setup a Supplier Profile, which is searchable by USF Buyers who want to connect with you.  A Supplier Profile is also required to receive payment from Accounts Payable, or to participate in Competitive Bids. 

Request Invitation to Register
Registration Guide: How To
Profile Update Guide: How To
Individual/Sole Proprietor Profiles: How To 
IRS W-8 Resource Guide
Supplier FAQ's

3. develop your business

USF Supplier Development and Engagement provides mentorship programs to support the growth of small businesses, and can help suppliers gain certification as a diverse supplier.

4. Find Opportunities

  • Contact our Administrative Units 
    Suppliers can view USF Tampa departments listed by鈥痶heir鈥�Administrative Units, as well as visit the鈥�痑苍诲鈥�痺ebsites to contact departments to market their commodities and services.鈥�疭uppliers should make an appointment with a specific USF employee before arriving on any campus for an in-person meeting.

  • Visit our 
    Procurement Services leads public solicitation events to acquire certain鈥痗ommodities and services which are widely used by USF or meet a certain spend threshold currently designated by the鈥�痳egulations. For more information on participating in Public Solicatation Events, see Solicitation Instructions for Suppliers
  • Speak with a Strategic Category Manager.
    Our team of Strategic Category Manager can work with you to identify areas of need across the USF community and can facilitate introductions. Additionally, they can work with you to answer questions related to purchasing and spend at USF.
  • Consider competing for public contracts with the State of 51在线
    USF routinely makes use of existing supplier contracts with the State of 51在线. For information on current State of 51在线 opportunities please visit the site.

 

5. Understand our Code of Ethics. 




To meet the 51在线's mission, Procurement Services provides鈥痬anagement, oversight to acquire quality鈥痗ommodities and contractual services while promoting fair and open competition in the public procurement process. Responsible Purchasing officials shall be protected from improper pressures of external political or鈥痓usiness interests. The process shall reduce the appearance and opportunity for鈥痜avoritism, ensure鈥痗ontracts are awarded equitably and economically, and establish effective management oversight in the acquisition of commodities and contractual services to preserve the integrity of public purchasing and contracting. 



It is a breach of ethical standards for any employee of the 51在线 to accept, solicit, or agree to accept a gratuity of any kind, form, or type in connection with any contract for commodities or services.鈥� It is also a breach of ethical standards for any potential contractor to offer an employee of USF a gratuity of any kind, form, or type to influence the development of a contract or potential contract for commodities or service. 

6. Understand our Terms and Conditions

All USF Purchase Orders have standard Terms and Conditions. In instances where USF has an executed contract with a supplier, the the terms and conditions of that contract will apply.

7. Payment

Please visit our Invoicing & Payment page for more information. 

8. Tax Exemption

USF is a tax exempt organization in the State of 51在线.  You can access our current tax exemption certificate HERE .