Materials Management - Purchasing

Contact 

Vince Butera, Director
Phone: (847) 578-8374
Fax: (847) 578-3426
vincent.butera@rosalindfranklin.edu

Mission Statement

The mission of the Purchasing Department is to support all academic, research, clinical, and administrative departments within the four schools, including the University Clinics and all clinical residency programs offsite. This support consists of maintaining, at all times and under all conditions, an orderly flow and continuous supply of goods and services necessary for all department operations and research development.
The goals of the Purchasing Department include:

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures associated with the acquisition of goods and services.
• Facilitate the vendor selection process.
• Negotiate lower pricing and greater levels of service with vendors.
• Develop programs and alternative purchasing methods which promote cost savings and improve efficiencies.
• Foster long-term ethical supplier relationships to include and open and competitive atmosphere with the vendor community.
• Provide meaningful solutions and answers to the faculty, staff, and students on various purchasing matters.

There are internal and external policies, guidelines, and procedures associated with many of the goods and services utilized by the University. Please consult the Purchasing Department if you have any questions regarding your purchase prior to initiating a requisition for purchase.

Datatel Colleague ERP Requisition System
Goods and services purchased by University employees, as well as processing invoices for payment, are typically processed via the Datatel Colleague Enterprise Resouce Planning (ERP) system. To ensure the Datatel system is used correctly and efficiently, employees who will be utilizing the Datatel system to initiate requisitions for the purchase of goods and services are required to attend training conducted by the Purchasing Department. To schedule a training session, or if you have any other questions regarding the Datatel Colleague requisition process, please contact Keisha Greathouse at nakeisha.greathouse@rosalindfranklin.edu or ext. 8641.

Student Rotation Badges
Student rotation badges can be ordered through the Purchasing Department.  Each badge is unique to the school/department that the student is enrolled in.  The initial cost is paid by the school the student is enrolled in.  Students may obtain replacement badges from the Security office at the current replacement cost.  Check with the specific school/department administrator if a badge is required, as some schools do not use them.  For complete details please contact Keisha Greathouse at nakeisha.greathouse@rosalindfranklin.edu, or ext. 8641.

Purchase of Controlled Substances
A principal investigator (PI) seeking to acquire a schedule II-V controlled substance must submit a request to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) per policies established by that director.  Further information relating to the purchase of controlled substances is available on the EHS website, or by clicking here.

Purchase of Radioactive Material Process
A principal investigator (PI) seeking to acquire radioactive material(s) must notify the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.  Further information relating to the purchase of radioisotopes is available on the EHS web site, or by clicking here.

Purchase of Business Technology (Computers, Software, Copiers, Cell Phones, Personal Data Assistants/PDAs)
Business technology purchases require approval from the Information Technology Services (ITS) Department to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure.

• Computer purchases require approval from Information Technology Services.  RFUMS is a PC environment.  While Apple computers (Mac) are appropriate for some applications, all departments conduct business using the PC-platform.  Some vendors require quotes for each purchase; others do not, and pricing can be found online, either via their regular website or an RFUMS Extranet (a special section that shows our discounted prices).  Tom Ploussard in Purchasing at thomas.ploussard@rosalindfranklin.edu, or ext. 8739, for assistance.
• All computer software purchases require prior review and approval by ITS.  Installation of software will be conducted by ITS.
• There are several brands and models of copiers available in the marketplace.  It is important that the right unit be selected for the intended use, so consult with Purchasing prior to contacting a vendor.  Although all vendors offer service/maintenance agreements for copiers, the University utilizes an insurance underwriting program to minimize costs.  The program streamlines the process associated with servicing the various copiers located throughout the University.  For further information contact, Genelle Justin in Purchasing  at genelle.justin@rosalindfranklin.edu, or ext. 3256.
• Per policy ABO 911-06, The University will not own cell phones for the use of individual employees and the University will not directly pay employees’ cell phone bills.  Employees whose job duties require the frequent need for a cell phone may receive extra compensation in the form of a cell phone allowance.  Employees may purchase a cell phone and coverage plan from a carrier of their choosing and are responsible for the purchase, maintenance, repairs, and billing associated with.  Cell phones will not be supported by the University. 
• Per policy ABO 911-06 Personal Data Assistants (i.e. pocket PC, Palm Pilot, Blackberry, etc.) will be supported by the University when determined that the device is necessary and integral to an employee’s job duties and responsibilities.  All PDA devices must be purchased through the use of a Datatel Colleague requisition and will remain the ownership of the University.  These devices require pre-approval by Information Technology Services.  Any device purchased by an employee that does not conform to the University’s Information Technology Services standards will not be eligible for financial and service support.