Strategic Suppliers and General Purchasing Guidelines
Strategic Procurement & Contracts (SPC) has established relationships and negotiated university-wide contracts with several suppliers that include favorable terms and volume-based discounted pricing on the most commonly purchased goods and services. These approved, centrally managed suppliers for which there is a negotiated, university-wide contract in place that included a selection process that was most often the result of competitive bidding - either direct or through membership in various group purchasing organizations (GPO) - are referred to as Strategic Suppliers.
Strategic Suppliers and contracts (including those for which there is a punchout in the BrownBuys Marketplace in Workday) are actively managed by the Strategic Sourcing Team in SPC. While competitive bidding/quotes are always encouraged at any level of spend and required at $25K, purchases from Strategic Suppliers do not require competitive bidding/quotes, unless what is being purchased from that supplier is not covered under the contract that is in place and that was already awarded as the result of a competitive bid. Wherever applicable, purchases should be directed to the Strategic Suppliers listed below to aggregate Brown’s spend, optimize value to the University, and ensure alignment with University requirements and priorities. A broader list of Strategic Suppliers can be found in Workday by searching "Strategic Suppliers."
There may be individual departments that have established relationships and agreements in place with suppliers that may be specific to that department's needs and/or area of oversight. Since these are not University-wide, applicable to the majority, or directly managed by SPC, they may not be listed below or fall under SPC's definition of strategic supplier but may fall under a different category of approved or managed supplier.
AMAZON BUSINESS
AUDIO VISUAL (A/V) TECHNOLOGY
BROWN LOGO
CAR SERVICES - LOCAL
CATERING/EXTERNAL FOOD ORDERS
CELL PHONES
COFFEE , BREAK ROOM SUPPLIES AND COUNTER TOP FILTERED WATER
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
COMPUTER PERIPHERALS & PRINTERS
COMPUTER PERIPHERALS, PHOTO / VIDEO / PRO AUDIO / AV SERVICES
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
COMPRESSED GASSES
CUSTOMS BROKER
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS
FACILITIES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT
FURNITURE
HOTELS
IT NETWORKING SUPPLIES
LAB SUPPLIES/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT
LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES
MAILING/SHIPPING
MOVING SERVICES
OFFICE SUPPLIES
PRINTING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - CONSULTING
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS & SWAG
SCANNING
SHREDDING SERVICES
STAMPS, SMALL SIGNAGE & NAME BADGES
TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION - Car Rental
TRANSPORTATION - Charter Bus
TRANSPORTATION - Brown Shuttle Service/Charter Bus Rentals
TRANSPORTATION - Shuttle Service (economy - school buses)
UNIFORM & GARMENT RENTALS (includes lab coats & scrubs)
VEHICLE PURCHASES
WATER
GOOD OR SERVICE CATEGORY |
SUPPLIER NAME |
SUPPLIER CONTACT/HOW TO PROCURE |
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CATERING – APPROVED EXTERNAL RESTAURANTS / CATERERS External food/catering orders with approved restaurants/catering vendors must be placed through the America To Go (ATG) “punchout." The ATG punchout is intended to simplify the process for external food orders. To view the list of approved vendors and to place an order with them, please click on the America To Go punchout in BrownBuys accessed through Workday. |
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EXTERNAL FOOD ORDERS/CATERING |
America To Go (ATG) |
America To Go Punchout in BrownBuys Certified SBE - Small Business Enterprise |
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DESKTOP COMPUTING, PRINTING AND SOFTWARE Computers & "Desktop" Printers: Before buying a computer or desktop printer or, to determine if your current computer meets the minimum requirements to be supported by CIS, please consult with your Information Technology Support Consultant (ITSC) or Departmental Computing Coordinator (DCC) about the solution that is best for your needs. Please also feel free to contact SPCI at [email protected]. Multifunctional Devices/Printers (MFDs): For MFD-related equipment needs, please contact ITSC or CIS for guidance. |
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Dell |
Please consult with your Information Technology Support Consultant (ITSC) or Departmental Computing Coordinator (DCC) about the Dell solution that is best for your business needs. Orders will be facilitated and placed by or at the direction of your ITSC or DCC upon departmental approval. |
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COMPUTER EQUIPMENT |
Apple |
Bookstore Tech Center Contact: Please consult with your Information Technology Support Consultant (ITSC) or Departmental Computing Coordinator (DCC) about the Apple solution that is best for your business needs. Orders will be facilitated and placed by or at the direction of your ITSC or DCC through the Brown Bookstore Technology Center - Apple Store upon departmental approval. Apple Contract through Brown Bookstore |
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COMPUTER EQUIPMENT | Advanced HPC |
Advanced HPC is only a Strategic Supplier for the purchase of Compute Nodes, GPU Nodes and Infiniband Switches. If you are purchasing anything outside of those categories, please make sure you are in compliance with the Competitive Bid/Quote Requirements and Sole Source Purchases Policy and have conducted the appropriate contract reviews. To obtain a quote for Compute Nodes and/or GPU Nodes, please reach out to Sam Fulcomer ([email protected]) who will work with you and the vendor to identify the correct equipment to meet your requirements. |
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COMPUTER PERIPHERALS/ PRINTERS | CDW-G |
CDW Punchout catalog in BrownBuys E&I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01439 |
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COMPUTER PERIPHERALS/ PRINTERS | Connection |
Connection Punchout catalog in BrownBuys Omnia Contract Number: 01-144 |
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PHOTO / VIDEO / PRO AUDIO / AV EQUIPMENT |
B&H Photo
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B&H Punchout catalog in BrownBuys E&I Cooperative Contract Number: EI00221 |
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AUDIO-VISUAL (A/V) TECHNOLOGY |
Shanix Technology Inc |
Shanix is an A/V Integrator that designs, quotes, installs, and supports A/V solutions for spaces including classrooms, meeting and event spaces Contact Jeff Budzinski: [email protected] |
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COMPUTER SOFTWARE |
Before purchasing new software, check to see if it's already available in the CIS Software Catalog. Free Alternatives to Brown Licensed Software |
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COMPUTER SOFTWARE | Brown OIT |
OIT negotiates and manages software licenses for the most commonly used applications at Brown. Please check the software distribution download page before purchasing software or paying for a software license. |
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CELL PHONES |
Brown OIT | https://it.brown.edu/services/type/mobile-cellular-phone-purchasing | ||||||
IT NETWORKING SUPPLIES / FACILITIES / MAINTENANCE |
Graybar |
Graybar Punchout in BrownBuys Omnia Contract Number: EV2370 |
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Remi Holdings |
Michael Shroyer To obtain a quote for a service contract, contact Michael Shroyer, Director of Sales E&I Cooperative Contract Number: EI00296 |
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EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS | Specialty Underwriters |
Alec Christensen To obtain a quote for a service contract, contact Alec Christensen, Account Executive. Typical savings are in the 15-20% range over the manufacturer’s contract. For a list of eligible items click here. E&I Cooperative Contract Number: EI00298 Specialty Underwriters provides educational institutions with a proven process to manage and reduce their equipment maintenance expense. |
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FACILITIES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES GUIDELINES: |
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FACILITIES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES | Fastenal |
Scott Chaput Omnia Contract Number: 2018.000208 |
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FACILITIES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES |
Global Industrial |
Cynthia Sexton Omnia Contract Number: R211402 |
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FACILITIES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES | Grainger |
Paul Cinq-Mars E and I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01496 |
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FACILITIES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES | MSC Industrial Supply Co. |
Richard Raczelowski Please email [email protected] to set up an account with Brown’s preferred pricing. MHEC Contract Number: G19 |
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FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT | B&G Restaurant Supply |
Sarah Auge MHEC Contact Number: A01 |
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FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT | Singer Kittredge |
Karen Virtue MHEC Contact Number: A01 |
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FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT | Trimark |
Chuck Taylor E&I Cooperative Contract Number: EI00233 |
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FURNITURE PURCHASES AND GUIDELINES: Brown has established relationships with the service-oriented, commercial furniture suppliers/dealers listed below. Each of the suppliers listed below are the authorized dealer for one primary furniture line (Herman Miller, Teknion, Steelcase); however, each of them are also able to source numerous open lines of high-quality, warrantied furniture at various price points. These suppliers are aware of Brown’s policies and requirements regarding health and safety, delivery/installation/assembly, and building standards. Departments can directly contact the representatives listed below for small "one-off" furniture purchases (e.g. task chair, file cabinet, or related); all furniture purchases must be made via purchase order. For ergonomic-specific furniture purchases, please see the applicable supplier below through which there is an established program in place. Larger projects (project-related / capital furniture purchases are managed by Facilities and should be directed to Joanna Saltonstall. For specialty furniture needs, please contact [email protected] To inquire about the availability of surplus items, please email [email protected] |
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FURNITURE |
WB Mason Interiors Please note that this is a separate division from office supplies. |
John Deblois Contact account representative, John Deblois, for individual options and quotes, and submit purchase requisition through Workday with quote attached. (Allsteel) Omnia Contract Numbers: 07-76 and R191802 ERGONOMIC FURNITURE PROGRAM WB Mason Interiors carries a full line of ergonomic furniture, including document holders and keyboard trays. Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) has collaborated with WB Mason Interiors to ensure product quality and compatibility with Brown University workstations. |
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FURNITURE | Creative Office Interiors / Creative Office Pavilion (Authorized MillerKnoll Dealer) |
Dyanne Vileno Contact account rep for options and quotes, and submit purchase requisition through Workday with quote attached. |
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FURNITURE | Pannello Systems (Authorized Teknion Dealer) |
Sarah O'Brien (Teknion) Omnia Contract Number: R191816 Contact account rep for options and quotes, and submit purchase requisition through Workday with the quote attached. |
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FURNITURE |
Red Thread |
Beth Negri Contact Workplace Consultant Beth Negri for individual options and quotes, and submit purchase requisition through Workday with quote attached. Sourcewell Contract Number: #121919-STI |
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Use the Supplier Invoice process for the Hotel Reservation Agreement Form when Brown University is paying the hotel directly and the expenses are under $3,000. Only the hotels listed on the Local Strategic Hotels & Rates page have agreed to this process. For Brown-paid group reservations or other expenses over $3,000, departments must create a purchase requisition through Workday If you have individual visitors who need to book hotels and Brown is not paying directly, please direct them to the Visitor Accommodations webpage. For departments entering into hotel room block agreements, please see Hotel Room Block Agreements - Guidelines for Brown Departments for helpful information.
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LAB SUPPLIES AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT PURCHASES & GUIDELINES:
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LAB SUPPLIES |
Agilent Technologies |
Agilent Technologies Punchout in BrownBuys | ||||||
LAB SUPPLIES |
Bio-Rad Laboratories |
Bio-Rad Laboratories Punchout in BrownBuys Contract benefits, Supplier contact information and Product details |
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LAB SUPPLIES | Fisher Scientific |
Fisher Scientific Punchout in BrownBuys Contract benefits, Supplier contact information and Product details |
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LAB SUPPLIES |
Genesee Scientific |
Genesee Scientific Punchout in BrownBuys Sales Representative: Certified SBE - Small Business Enterprise |
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LAB SUPPLIES |
Genewiz (from Azenta Life Sciences) |
Account Manager (Genomics): |
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LAB SUPPLIES |
Medline |
Medical Surgical Products & Equipment Account Manager: E&I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01385 |
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LAB SUPPLIES |
Qiagen |
Qiagen Punchout in BrownBuys |
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LAB SUPPLIES |
Sigma Aldrich |
Sigma Aldrich Punchout in BrownBuys |
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LAB SUPPLIES | VWR |
VWR Punchout in BrownBuys Contract benefits, Supplier contact information and Product details |
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COMPRESSED GASSES |
AirGas |
Please contact the following individuals with any questions about ordering, invoices, or account information. Andrew Yentz Wendy Baxter Online – Contact AirGas for setup. www.airgas.com/login User Guide for ordering from Airgas Contract Supplier |
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MOVING SERVICES |
Conlon Moving & Storage |
55 Mead Street
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MOVING SERVICES |
Corrigan Moving Systems |
Marabeth Galardi E&I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01503 |
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MOVING SERVICES | Gallo Moving & Storage |
120 Quarry Drive
Megan Campbell Anthony Gallo Request a quote and mention you would like to utilize E&I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01503 |
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MOVING SERVICES | UNIGROUP - United Van Lines & Mayflower Transportation |
The UNIGROUP contract can be utilized nationwide through United Van Lines or Mayflower. If Conlon Moving & Storage , Corrigan Moving Systems or Gallo Moving & Storage cannot accomodate your needs. Locate a local moving agent in the area where services are needed: Contact Information: [email protected] or [email protected] can also assist with questions and communications. Please include the specific moving agent under UVL or Mayflower that you would like to utilize. E&I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01503 |
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MOVING SERVICES | UNIGROUP LOGISTICS |
Lab, Medical & Industrial Equipment Moves https://www.unigrouplogistics.com/request E&I Cooperative Contract Number: CNR01503 |
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WB Mason |
WB Mason Punchout in BrownBuys |
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STAMPS, SMALL SIGNAGE & NAME BADGES |
Roanoke Custom Products |
Courtney Kincer Certified SBE - Small Business Enterprise |
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AMAZON BUSINESS PURCHASES AND GUIDELINES: SPC has established an Amazon Business account for the University. Institutional Amazon purchases are to be made through Brown’s Amazon Business account and platform. Departments that need assistance with getting set up to make purchases through Brown's Amazon Business platform should contact [email protected]. Please note that individuals are not authorized to establish their own Amazon Business accounts on behalf of Brown. In addition, Brown University email addresses are not to be used for individual Amazon Prime memberships. Please note that purchases made on Amazon Business should not include any items already covered under another Brown Strategic Supplier contract and/or through an existing punchout (e.g., standard office supplies, furniture, computers, printers, etc). |
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AMAZON BUSINESS |
Amazon Business *Please Note: The University Amazon Business account is for Brown University related purchases only. Only University Pcards allowed. All delivery addresses must be Brown University addresses. |
Contact [email protected] with questions or assistance with set-up on Brown’s Amazon Business account/platform. Benefits of Amazon Business:
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COFFEE AND BREAK ROOM SUPPLIES |
Canteen Refreshment Services (Compass Group) |
Kevin Cashmon For online ordering and product catalog: Equipment requests and pricing: Canteen Refreshment Services can also provide pricing on counter top filtered water units and their installation. *SPCI has negotiated special, university-wide pricing that is not listed in the product catalog. Contact Canteen for pricing and questions. Contract Supplier |
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WATER SERVICE |
Ready Refresh Poland Spring Water Dispensers, Water Filtration Systems, Spring, and Purified Water. *Bottle deposit waived under GPO agreement |
Lisa Schmit Ready Refresh – PCard & Registered Workday Supplier Equalis Group Contract Number: EQ-052920-02AVizient, Inc. Contract Number: FD3675 |
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MAILING/SHIPPING (Domestic & International) |
FedEx/UPS |
The University has discounted contract rates for domestic and international shipping with FedEx and UPS. These rates apply to official University business only.
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CUSTOMS BROKER |
JF Moran |
Scott Chipperfield, LCB Use this supplier for importing goods or equipment that require US Custom clearance. Contact Scott Chipperfield. Have shipping information such as gateway airport - Boston, New York, Providence as well as required airway bill or bill of laden. |
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PRINTING |
Brown OUC |
For essential print projects, please refer to the Brown External Print Vendor Program. Criteria for essential print projects is included on the website, along with a corresponding list of Approved External Print Vendors from the Office of University Communications.
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PRINTING |
FedEx Office |
FedEx Office is an approved external vendor for quick-print copy services. To sign up for discounted pricing with FedEx Office follow the instructions below. Additional local retail options for quick-print copy services are located at the bottom of the Office of University Communcations Approved External Vendors website. Jonathan Galves
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CONSULTING SERVICES ENGAGEMENTS AND GUIDELINES: Brown has established a Master Services Agreement (MSA) for consulting services with Huron Consulting Group with negotiated pricing and standard competitive hourly rates for various levels of consulting expertise. Individual engagements would require separate statements of work (SOWs) and would fall under and reference this MSA and its established terms and pricing. Purchase orders are required. When submitting the requisition, a statement of work should be included and reference to the master services agreement should be noted. OGC has already reviewed and approved the master services agreement. | ||||||||
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - CONSULTING |
Huron Consulting Group |
Departments interested in working with Huron should contact: John Luipold, Vice President for Business Affairs, Auxiliary and Real Estate or Trish Mulcahey, Director of Strategic Sourcing SPCI will work with the consulting firm on your behalf to ensure correct/competitive pricing and the most favorable terms for the University. |
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PROMOTIONAL ITEMS |
For promotional item suppliers please contact [email protected] If the items will display the Brown logo please refer to the BROWN LOGO section. |
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SCANNING |
Konica Minolta |
Scott Walbert Contract Supplier |
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Mansfield Shredding |
Tim Carter To schedule purge service or set up recurring shredding services please contact Tim at [email protected] Contract Supplier |
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SHREDDING SERVICES |
Shred-It |
Evan Delaney To schedule a one-time-only purge (cleanout) please contact [email protected]. If you are scheduling purge service and do not have an active Shred-It account, please request a quote from Claudia and initiate a Workday requisition with the quote attached. SPC will issue a Purchase Order to Shred-It for the service. For service issues, please contact Evan Shred-it is certified NAID Omnia Partners Contract Number: 18-6320 |
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TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES |
nextSource |
nextSource is the University's Managed Services Provider (MSP) for temporary staffing services Ashley Kosman Frank Aiello, Program Manager For more information, visit the Human Resources website. Certified WBE - Women Business Enterprise |
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LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES |
Language Connections, Inc. |
Mary Shillue-Goldberg Language Connections provides translation services for all major European, Asian, Middle Eastern, African and American languages. Special Instructions-please identify yourself as Brown University and that you activating the MHEC agreement. Certified SBE - Small Business Enterprise |
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SIGN LANGUAGE - TRANSLATION SERVICES |
Deaf Services Unlimited (DSU) |
Carly Anderson Office Phone:(800) 930-2580 Interpreters can be scheduled by phone or through the Web site above. Please identify yourself as Brown University. Deaf Services Unlimited (DSU) provides sign language translation services and ASL/CART services. |
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Please attach quotes for transportation services to requisitions in Workday. For specialty, executive, or non-local transportation needs, please contact SPCI for guidance or referrals. Listed below are different types of local car service providers to meet the various needs across campus; the provider to whom we recommend Brown departments/schools is directly linked to the applicable need or level required (e.g. black car service, executive car service and taxi service). Please note that the providers below are listed from highest service level to lowest. |
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Car Rental |
Enterprise / National Rental Car |
Please visit Guidelines for renting a Vehicle at Brown for important information regarding renting a vehicle through Enterprise/National Rental Car Business rates through Enterprise and National car rentals are provided through the University’s strategic alliance partner for collaborative buying services, E&I Cooperative Services. |
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Charter Bus |
Academy Bus / Academy Express LLC
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Tony D'Arcangelo Clearly state association with Brown University to get preferred rate. Three weeks to one month in advance of use is preferred. Required payment method is Purchase Order PCard not allowed Contract Supplier Certified SBE - Small Business Enterprise |
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Brown Shuttle Service / Charter Bus Rentals |
First Transit |
Travis Mills, General Manager For charter bus rentals, contact Travis Mills directly for a quote and to secure arrangements; submit purchase requisition through Workday with quote attached. Required payment method is Purchase Order PCard not allowed Contract Supplier Brown Shuttle Service / Charter Bus Rentals |
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First Student |
Kristen Dieterle For economy - school bus rentals - contact Kristen Dieterley directly for a quote and to secure arrangements; submit purchase requisition through Workday with quote attached. Required payment method is Purchase Order PCard not allowed *Separate contact from First Transit, affiliated company. Contract Supplier: Equalis Group Contract #R10-1149A |
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TRANSPORTATION |
Ocean State Transit |
Daisy Cortellesso |
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CAR SERVICES, LOCAL |
AOT Global, Formerly All Occasion Transportation Black Car Service |
John Olinger Required Payment method is Purchase Order PCard not allowed |
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CAR SERVICES, LOCAL |
Car1 Transportation Executive Car Service |
Kevin Marro, Owner/Account Rep Required Payment method is Purchase Order PCard not allowed |
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CAR SERVICES, LOCAL |
Carey International (Black Car Service) |
Use the link or telephone number below to book travel Book under the account Brown University- Main to receive a 5% Discount |
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CAR SERVICES, LOCAL |
Corporate Transportation Basic "No Frills" Taxi Services |
417 Smithfield Avenue Required Payment method is Purchase Order PCard not allowed This taxi service carries additional insurance per Brown's requirement for student transport. Arrangements can be made if a voucher process is required. A real time estimate for car arrival will always be given to those identifying as being affiliated with Brown University |
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CAR SERVICES, LOCAL |
LYFT Concierge Program |
The LYFT Concierge Program is available for Brown University departments to provide Transportation for participants of programs or for department or academic purposes. The program is for departmental use only. The Brown University Transportation Department approves the LYFT Concierge Department account. If you would like to request a Concierge LYFT account or receive more information, please email [email protected]. Contact Person: Carleia Lighty, Director [email protected] |
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Learfield Licensing
Designated Vendor Program (DVP) for marketing services |
Use the link below for Licensee & Product List to find licensed suppliers for branded merchandise. For questions about when a license is required, contact [email protected]. Use the link below to find approved marketing services vendors under the Office of University Communications’ Designated Vendor Program. https://www.brown.edu/university-communications/office-university-communications. |
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UNIFORM & GARMENT RENTALS | Cintas |
For uniform and garment rentals, including lab coat and scrub rental services please contact: Chris Murphy Omnia Contract Number: R-BB-19002 New departmental contracts should be created using a Statement of Work under the Master Service Agreement within the Brown Contract Management system. |
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VEHICLE PURCHASES |
Facilities & Campus Operations |
For vehicle purchases, please contact Matthew Force Matthew Force |