FAQ's
Q:
Does UAB bid all
items?
No. However, we are required by state law to bid
certain commodities and services totaling $7500 or
more.
Q:
Are "Request for Quotations" (RFQ) selected for bid only
among small, minority- and women-owned firms?
No. The
University has an "all inclusive policy." This means that all
vendors that have made application with the Purchasing Department,
asking to be considered for specific commodities and services, will
receive the same opportunity to bid.
Q:
Being a small minority- or
women-owned firm, will I be guaranteed business not meeting the
criteria for the formal competitive bid process?
No. We cannot
guarantee any vendor a contract. However, you can be assured of a
chance to submit a quote on business opportunities at
UAB.
Q:
Is it worth my time to make an appointment to visit members
of the purchasing staff?
Certainly! By
meeting with buyers and other members of the purchasing staff you
will be informed of the University's policies and procedures. This
information will assist you in knowing how to do business with
UAB.
Q:
What exactly is UAB doing to assure the inclusion of
minority- and women-owned firms in the procurement of goods and
services?
UAB has implemented several measures to address
this goal. Among those are:
-
Maintaining a comprehensive in-house directory of minority- and women-owned firms. Further, similar directories of national and local publication are used by the purchasing staff as an adjunct to UAB's in-house directory.
-
Maintaining a program with a full-time coordinator to assist minority- and women-owned firms. The purpose of the program is to give vendors better access to, and knowledge of, the University's procurement system.
-
Encouraging participation from all divisions of the University. Additionally, providing each department with the necessary information and assistance to accomplish the greatest practical level of success.
-
Assuring a high level of visibility and accountability for the program. The Office of Assistant to the Vice President for Supplier Diversity was created to plan, coordinate and direct all phases of UAB's minority and women-owned business development activities.