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DocuSign Vendor Disclosure Statement Process Improvement

In the past, only the vendor could start the DocuSign vendor disclosure statement form (“VDS form”) process.  The primary issue with the past process was that campus partners had no way of knowing when the VDS form had completed which delayed order placement, contracting, or payment.  Effective March 1st, campus partners will start the VDS form process.  By campus partners starting the process, they will receive a completed copy by email from DocuSign when the VDS form has been completed.  The individual who starts the process will need to know the name and email address of the vendor representative that will complete the form.  Additional information about this new process can be found at http://purchasing.ua.edu/vendor-disclosure-statement/.  With input from our campus partners, we are excited to implement this new, more efficient process.

Now is the time to Plan for Upcoming Purchases

This semester has been underway for a couple of weeks now and hopefully everyone is back in their “normal” routine…as normal as it can be during this time.  Please begin thinking about items you need to order for projects you are planning this summer.  In about 12 weeks the spring semester will be over, and thoughts will turn to these summer projects.  By planning ahead, you can avoid any unanticipated lead times or speed bumps along the way.  Purchasing manages over 200 approved, standing contracts that cover a wide variety of products and services.  Also, if the items you need have to be competitively bid, planning ahead will allow enough time for that process which normally takes 3 to 4 weeks.  Please contact the appropriate Senior Buyer to assist with any questions you have about upcoming purchases. Please refer to our Purchasing Guidelines for additional information.

Holiday Break Planning

Please remember that we have an earlier than normal start to the Holiday break this year.  The last day of business operations is Friday, December 18th which is fast approaching.  In order to allow time for bids to go out before the Holiday break, please submit your bid requests to Purchasing no later than Friday, December 4th.  All Purchase order and sole source requests should be submitted no later than Friday, December 11th to allow time for review, processing and approval prior to the Holiday break.  Please contact Purchasing at 348-5230 or uapurchasing@ua.edu with any questions.