Orders $5,000 or Less
Simplified Procurement Procedures

Summary

In accordance with the Procurement Policies and Procedures established by the University System of Maryland and implemented by UMBC, if a department has a requirement for a small dollar procurement of $5,000 or less, the following procedures apply. It is prohibited to intentionally split orders to avoid following the appropriate procurement procedures.

• Competition is not required but not prohibited.
  
  
• The VISA Purchasing Card ("P-Card") must be used wherever possible in accordance with the Policies & Procedures governing the use of the P-Card. Confirming requisitions should be avoided.
  
  
• If the item is available on a State Contract or University Contract, departments may purchase on-line via the web using the Maryland Interactive Procurement System.
  
  
• If the P-Card is not used, the request must be submitted to Procurement using a requisition for processing. Orders of this size will be processed within 24 hours of receipt in Procurement.
  
  
• Where time permits and it makes good business sense to compare pricing, departments and/or Procurement may attempt to do so by doing the following:

  • Contact a minimum of two vendors via telephone, fax or internet.
    
  • Document for the record the pricing obtained (have the vendors fax quotation, print internet information, etc.).
    
  • Make a note of additional pricing or attach documentation to requisition and forward to Procurement.

If you have any questions, contact the Department of Procurement on ext. 2273.

back