Purchases of $5,000 or greater, but less than $50,000 Before a supplier can be selected and an order placed for purchases of $5,000 or greater (but less than $50,000), college departments must first obtain a minimum of three competitive quotations.

Quotations may be obtained by one of the following ways:

1. The buyer may call the supplier and request a verbal quotation;
2. The buyer may call the supplier and request the vendor to submit a written quotation; or
3. The buyer may mail the supplier a Request for Quotation, which the supplier completes and returns to Purchasing Services.

In each case, it is important that the supplier clearly identify the product quoted, including the brand and model, and accurately relate quantities, unit prices, extended prices, delivery time, and (if applicable) educational discounts. The buyer can not make an informed decision without this information. The supplier could be disqualified from consideration for failure to supply all the information requested and/or failure to submit the quotation by the specified due date.

College Departments Obtaining Quotations

• Give all suppliers the same information
• Ensure that the quotation includes shipping
• Ask if there is an educational discount
• Never disclose quotations beyond the confines of college staff until an award is made.
• Do not negotiate pricing.
• Do not add non-quoted items to the quote after award is made
• Ask how long the quoted price is valid.
• Don't place an order before Purchasing has approved the quotes.
• Tell suppliers if you intend to split the award between two or more suppliers
• Make sure that quotations are for goods that have comparable features