How to Buy at UC Merced

To streamline the procurement process for frequently purchased goods, we offer training that enables you to procure items from a pre-approved supplier catalog directly.

Additionally, please submit an access request here to gain access as a "Requisitioner" within our Bobcat Buy eProcurement Platform.

• Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) approval is required for your request.
  • Once approved and you have been granted access, you'll be able to choose items from over 30 catalogs and submit them directly into the workflow, expediting the purchase of your desired items.

All university purchases must be authorized in advance with a UC purchase order or credit card.

Unauthorized purchases (also referred to as "after the fact" orders) are purchase transactions that occur when:

• An individual not authorized to execute agreements on behalf of the UC initiates a purchase.
• An individual with authorization exceeds their delegated authority or uses an unauthorized procurement method.

Unauthorized purchases can result in suppliers not receiving timely payments or experiencing significant invoice delays.

Ensure you have a purchase order from the UC before shipping goods or commencing services. Additionally, do not provide the vendor with verbal orders or change orders to quantities after the orders have been placed.

In the event of unauthorized financial commitments, any requisition or invoice submitted retrospectively must include the following:

• A statement elucidating the reasons for the policy violation.
  • This statement necessitates the signatures of the following:
    • Department's CAO/business officer
    • Department head
    • Vice-chancellor or dean

You can find the statement form by accessing the provided link .