Purchasing from Commercial Vendors

Policy Information
Policy TitlePurchasing from Commercial Vendors
Responsible OfficeDirector of Procurement
Policy TypeBusiness Affairs
Policy Number206
Last Revision Date10/6/2023

The Purchasing Department at Binghamton University assists the campus in purchasing state-funded goods and services.  All purchases made using State funds are subject to the New York State Finance Law and rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of the State Comptroller.  They are also subject to procedures developed by SUNY and/or the University.  The Office of the State Comptroller performs pre- and post-audits on various transactions processed by the State Funded Office of Purchasing and Contracts purchasing office.  The State Comptroller has the authority to approve or deny payments and/or contracts.

Vendor Selection

When choosing vendors for state-funded purchases it is important to also promote New York State Purchasing initiatives.  To do so the vendor selection should follow the hierarchy below:

  • State Preferred Sources
  • State Commodity Contracts
  • New York State Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)
  • Open Market

For example, a vendor from the Open Market would be selected after considering State Preferred Sources, State Commodity Contracts and Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise options.

More information can be found at: http://www.binghamton.edu/offices/purchasing/vendors/

Procurement Thresholds

The procurement threshold determines the steps that need to be taken to effectuate the procurement.  Please note that the campus has institited that purchases below $2,500 are to be done via the state procurement card.  Certain documentation is needed within each threshold.  For more information on each of the below dollar limits, see here:  https://www.binghamton.edu/offices/purchasing/purchasing-procedures/

  • $2500.01 - $25,000
  • $25,000.01 - $50,000
  • $50,000.01 - - $74,999
  • $75,000 and up

More information