How to Buy
Helpful information to make departmental purchases without delay.
Whether you are new to NC State or have recently gained purchasing responsibilities, we want to make sure that you have the information that you need to make departmental purchases without delay. In this brief tutorial (11:26), we provide you with tools and ready-to-use information so that you can purchase what you need while keeping you, your department or college, and the university safe and in compliance with state and federal policies.
Purchasing Thresholds
In compliance with 01 NCAC 05B .0301, the NC Department of Administration’s Division of Purchase and Contract has determined the current bid threshold value as $31,000.
| ORDER TYPE | DESCRIPTION | PAY METHOD(S) | REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOODS Up to $4,999 | Orders of supply items up to the departmental delegation level | 1) MarketPlace 2) PCard 3) Campus Voucher | 1) Vendor quote 2) Vendor receipt |
| GOODS $5,000 – Bid Threshold | Order of supplies and equipment above departmental delegation level | 1) Initiate a non-MarketPlace requisition 2) A Purchase Order (PO) is dispatched | Vendor quote |
| GOODS > Bid Threshold | Order of supplies and equipment above departmental delegation level | 1) Initiate a non-MarketPlace requisition 2) A Purchase Order (PO) is dispatched | 1) Vendor quote — if referencing State of NC or Consortium Contract, or NC State Bid #, no waiver needed 2) Waiver of competitive bidding or specification documents |
| SERVICES Up to $4,999 | Services performed by an outside supplier up to the departmental delegation level | 1) Complete a Contract Review Form 2) Enter a Campus Voucher | 1) Vendor quote 2) Vendor receipt |
| SERVICES $5,000 – Bid Threshold | Services performed by an outside supplier above the departmental delegation level | 1) Complete a Contract Review Form 2) Initiate a non-MarketPlace requisition 3) A Purchase Order (PO) is dispatched | 1) NC State contract template 2) Vendor contract 3) Vendor quote — if referencing State of NC or Consortium Contract, or NC State Bid #, no waiver needed |
| SERVICES > Bid Threshold | Order of services above departmental delegation level | 1) Initiate a non-MarketPlace requisition 2) A Purchase Order (PO) is dispatched | 1) Vendor quote — if referencing State of NC or Consortium Contract, or NC State Bid #, no waiver needed 2) Waiver of competitive bidding or specification documents |
Debarred Suppliers
Suppliers banned from doing business with NC State (and all state agencies) cannot be used for purchases of goods and services. Make sure to review the debarred federal and state suppliers lists.