Vendor Information

The Purchasing Department is the sole agency authorized to make commitments against Ferris State University accounts for the procurement of goods and services. Ferris State University Purchasing practices developing vendor diversity in the discharge of the procurement function. As a reminder no vendor should render or deliver goods and services to any University Department without a purchase order number, or departmental visa number. Exceptions to this would be in the event of an emergency situation.

The Purchasing Department staff are committed to helping all vendors have a mutually beneficial business relationship with Ferris State University. We recommend that you call and schedule an appointment prior to visiting any our office. Our staff will be better prepared to meet with you and discuss business opportunities.

The Purchasing Department staff assists departments by identifying qualified bidders, preparing competitive bid documents, coordinating the bid process, and analyzing vendor bid responses. It is in Ferris State University's best interest to continually search for sources and to foster new business relationships. If you are contacted directly by a faculty or staff member, please contact the Purchasing Office. This will ensure that the proper Ferris State University policies and procedures are followed and will save you time and effort.

The purchasing staff assists prospective vendors by identifying potential opportunities, sharing vendor information with departments, and helping vendors understand Ferris State University policies and bidding procedures. Purchasing buyers also assist vendors in resolving problems regarding the procurement process.

It is Ferris State University practice to solicit bids for procuring goods and services exceeding $10,000. Decisions in awarding purchase orders are based on a vendor's compliance with Ferris State University specifications, price, delivery, service, terms and conditions, locations or other relevant factors.

For procurement of goods and services under $10,000, purchasing authority has been delegated to individual Ferris State University departments. Departments may make one time purchases under $10,000 per transaction. Many of the departments have Ferris State University credit cards for purchases they are authorized to make independently of the Purchasing Department.

Unless otherwise specified in an agreement mutually signed by authorized signers, our Terms and Conditions will be in effect for all purchases.

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Vendors doing work for Ferris State University who have access to our patients' protected health information (PHI) are considered a business associate and are required to complete a Business Associate agreement with Ferris State University.

Vendors doing business with University schools, colleges, or other units that provide healthcare services are required to comply with federal and state laws designed to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse and with related University policies, and to promptly notify appropriate University officials with any compliance-related concerns. Detailed information about federal and state false claims laws, and University policies with which vendors are expected to comply (including policies on conflict of interest disclosure and management, patient privacy, vendor/staff interactions, and appropriate conduct), together with related materials.

Campus maps, showing various parking and building locations, are available from Ferris State University Department of Public Safety

A WORD OF CAUTION : The parking authorities are prompt in issuing tickets for expired meters or illegally parked cars. Please contact our department prior to parking in any FSU parking lot to obtain a visitor pass.

VENDORS, PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN RESPONDING TO QUOTE REQUESTS SENT BY EMAIL OR PURCHASE ORDERS THAT LOOK QUESTIONABLE!

Many scammers target suppliers with fraudulent purchase orders and quote requests, often for technology-related items. Rarely does the Purchasing Department contact suppliers by email to request quotes. A “ship-to” address that look suspicious is likely a scam. Suppliers, please DO NOT SHIP items or give banking or credit card information without verifying contact information, phone numbers, delivery information, and questionable payment terms!

If you are a victim of one of these fraudulent orders, you can file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation by clicking on the following link: https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx