Preferential use of the centralized purchasing system

Goods and services must be acquired using the centralized purchasing system that is accessed through the RUFirst (RU Fully Integrated Resource and Services Tool) program and managed by the University Purchasing Department. While there are limited exceptions to the requirement for requisitioning goods and services through the RUFirst system (see the table under “Procurement Guidelines“), the primary means to acquire goods and services is through the RUFirst system. Using the RUFirst system ensures, among other things, that the order is placed by an authorized purchasing agent, that a purchase order is issued, that documentation related to the requisition is verified and maintained, that the best pricing is obtained, and that prompt payment is facilitated.