Procurement Service Center names partners for lab supplies

Strategic sourcing program continues; details to be presented at forums in Denver, Boulder

Upon completion of a rigorous Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Fisher Scientific and VWR International, providers of lab supplies and equipment, are the latest firms to be named strategic partners with the University of Colorado. Both vendors have long relationships with CU's Procurement Service Center, but the new partnerships add exceptional value because they assure significant cost savings, a streamlined Internet ordering process, new lab start-up programs, and a managed contract program.

All campus department personnel who order lab supplies and equipment are encouraged to attend an upcoming forum presented by the center and the Office of University Controller. Staff members will provide updates on a variety of subjects and representatives of Fisher Scientific will review details of the new primary scientific supplier contract. The forums are set for:

• Anschutz Medical Campus, Tuesday, Nov. 17, Ben Nighthorse Campbell Building, auditorium, 1:30-2:45 p.m. forum, 3-4 p.m. Fisher Scientific
• CU-Boulder, Wednesday, Nov. 18, Wolf Law Building, Wittmyer Court, main floor, 1:30-2:45 p.m. forum, 3-4 p.m. Fisher Scientific

Forums already have taken place at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and University of Colorado Denver campuses, but the remaining two events are open to employees from all campuses.

Advance registration for the forums is requested; click here to sign up.

About a year and a half ago, the Procurement Service Center began a dedicated sourcing program to develop overall procurement strategies. Michael Fox, strategic sourcing manager, began by analyzing university spending data and focused on high-volume, high-spend commodities. The PSC improved the university's office supply contract with Staples, resulting in an annual savings of more than $800,000.

The center continues to identify areas of improvement. An RFP for photocopiers is under way. The evaluation committee, consisting of subject matter experts from all CU campuses, expects to begin evaluating responses from suppliers by the end of this month. Future plans include RFPs for document storage and shredding services.

For more information on the Procurement Service Center, please contact Duane Tucker, Duane.Tucker@cu.edu or 303-315-2150.