The Buying Decision Chart, indexed by supplier and commodity purchase type,
is designed to assist faculty and staff in determining the appropriate
authorized buying method
for products and services required by the institution. The
BEN Financials Commodity Matrix
provides a more detailed view of authorized buying methods by specific commodity.
|
Commodity Purchase Type |
Description |
Buying Method |
Approval Requirements |
|
Advertising |
Print, broadcast, web, transit, and outdoor advertising |
Journal - 26 Digit Budget Account Number |
Prior Approval by an Appropriate School or Center Business Administrator |
|
Automotive Fuel & Repairs |
Fuel and repairs for University owned vehicles |
Wright Express
Fleet Fuel Card |
Point-of-Demand Approval by Authorized Cardholder |
|
Catering Services |
An Approved Caterer must be used
for all on-campus events |
BEN Buys Purchase Order |
School/Center PO Manager approval under $5,000, Purchasing
approval over $5,000 |
|
Equipment Maintenance Agreements |
All annual equipment maintenance agreements (excluding copier and computers)
require competitive quote from
Specialty Underwriters |
BEN Buys Purchase Order |
School/Center PO Manager approval under $5,000, Purchasing
approval over $5,000 |
|
Express Shipping Services |
All outbound ground, air, and international express shipping service |
UPS Express Shipping System |
Requires School/Center senior business administrator approval to become
an authorized shipper |
|
Hazardous & Radioactive Materials |
All purchases of hazardous and radioactive materials requirements must be approved in
advance by EHRS |
BEN Buys Purchase Order |
School/Center PO Manager approval under $5,000, Purchasing
approval over $5,000 |
|
Laboratory Animals |
All laboratory animals must be ordered by
ULAR |
BEN Buys Purchase Order |
School/Center PO Manager approval under $5,000, Purchasing
approval over $5,000 |
|
Stationery -
Penn Branded Products |
Penn branded stationery (letterhead, business cards, envelopes, labels, and note pads) |
BEN Buy Purchase Order |
School/Center PO Manager approval under $5,000, Purchasing
approval over $5,000 |
|
Travel and Entertainment |
School and Center authorized faculty and staff
business travel and entertainment costs. |
American Express Corporate Card |
Point-of-Demand Approval by Authorized Cardholder |