Doing Business with Penn

Welcome to Purchasing Services

Purchasing Services is a Supply Management department under the auspices of the University's Division of Business Services. The University's procurement of construction, equipment, supplies, and services in support of the institution's education and research mission represents approximately 23 percent of the University's annual operating budget.

Purchasing Services, and its supply management business partners, is committed to providing faculty and staff with efficient and user friendly procure-to-pay processes that increases administrative efficiency and operational performance - all for the express purpose of providing the highest standards of customer service and support, at least total cost, to increase the value of every dollar of funding. Process efficiencies and cost savings achieved as a result of innovative supply chain strategies goes straight to the bottom line and can be used to support other critical investments. This commitment to administrative excellence and cost effective procurement at every level of the supply chain strategically impacts the institution's bottom line and fulfills a primary directive of our Mission, Vision and Values: "to set the standard for supply management and steward the resources entrusted to us." This commitment to excellence extends to socially responsible and environmentally friendly purchasing practices in support of the local business community and the environment.

Our performance and accomplishments have resulted in significant recognition for our organization and the University. Our success is achieved in part by partnerships with strategic business partners that provide the equipment, supplies and services our offices and laboratories need to support our education and research mission. Purchasing Services is responsible for identifying and contracting with supplier partners who provide consistently high quality products and services to our Schools and Centers. It is important for potential suppliers to learn how to partner with us to meet our business goals and fulfill our responsibilities.

We thank you for your interest in doing business with Penn and hope this information will be of assistance in establishing a business relationship with the University of Pennsylvania.

Ralph Maier
Chief Procurement Officer