The standard purchasing method is the PantherExpress System. Purchasers should always use University-wide Contracted Suppliers if available.
Departments can approve all purchases $15,000 or less in value. While competitive bidding is not required for purchases $15,000 or less, it is required that purchasers compare and/or evaluate potential suppliers in order to obtain the lowest total cost.
Agreements for services $15,000 or less with domestic companies or individuals or companies should be submitted using the Services Agreement – Short Form Domestic. These agreements also do not require documentation of competitive bidding or a Directed or Sole Source Justification form (DSSJF), we do always recommend that the department conduct comparative analysis before selecting a provider.
If the agreement is $15,000 or less but:
- has non-standard terms (not the University’s short form services agreement template, but a supplier’s agreement template) or the supplier has asked for changes to the University’s short form services agreement template, you need to submit the agreement to Purchasing Services using a PantherExpress System Contracts+ Contract Request.
- is with an international supplier/provider, review the guidance available for services performed outside the U.S.
Review these tips to help with writing a Scope of Services.
Additional required attachments for services agreements include:
- Certificate of Liability Insurance
- A copy of the provider’s quote or proposal
- The outcome of the 20-factor test
- Copies of any necessary approvals from Pitt IT, Facilities, EH&S, and/or University Counsel