The Ohio State University's Purchasing Department is a business unit established to support the educational, instructional and research missions of the University, along with the Research Foundation (OSURF) and the Medical Center’s (OSUMC) Purchasing Departments. Purchasing is staffed by procurement professionals who have the essential knowledge, skills and training to assist the University community in the purchase of necessary goods and services. Purchasing involves the acquisition of equipment, furnishings, supplies and various other goods and services for the University within pre-established bid constraints. Purchasing's role also includes sourcing goods and services; preparing bid specifications; initiating formal quotations, proposals and bids; evaluating bids; and awarding and coordinating all contracts until final completion or termination. This expertise insures that procurement decisions will be made in the best interest of the University and in compliance with University policies.

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

	Assist University departments in the selection of equipment, materials and services.
	Consult with department chairpersons and directors on purchasing requirements upon request.
	Receive requisitions for goods and services.
	Review each requisition for clarity of description and adequacy of specifications. Request additional information from originating department if necessary.
	Combine requisitions for similar commodities when possible in order to benefit from quantity purchases.
	Prepare requests, open and analyze for award all bids for the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment and services.
	Maintain a current list of eligible bidders classified as to type of commodities and services they are qualified to provide. In addition, maintain manufacturers and prospective bidders catalog and brochure files.
	Issue purchase orders.
	Issue annual contracts for those commodities and services used in sufficient quantity to effect savings.
	Maintain a file of current Contracts.
	Review and approve requests for authority to make single source purchases in excess of $25,000 for goods and $50,000 for services.
	Review and approve requests for the acquisition of special approval goods and services.
	Implement and issue reports on the University’s Minority Business Program.

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