Purchasing Services
General / Computers FAQ

Bookmarks: [General / Computers], Links: [Grants / Equipment ]

If you have questions regarding this information, please call us at (989) 774-3118.

General

 
How do I get on-line access to the purchasing sub-system?
Contact Financial Information Systems at (989) 774-7362 to obtain the form required for SAP Users Update, OR go to the Controller web site (http://www.controller.cmich.edu). Click on Business & Finance Information Systems > SAP User Setup Requests > Update/Other Request Form. Print the form, fill it out and mail it to the FIS Department, WA 205.
 
When are competitive bids required?
Formal competitive bids are required when a purchase requisition total exceeds $2,500, and a formal sealed written bid if the requisition exceeds $25,000. If a competitive bid is not done, an exception must be requested through the Director of Contracting & Purchasing Services.
 
Requisition or project approvals are required as follows:
$  50,000 - $  99,999 - VP/Provost
$100,000 - $199,999 - President
$200,000 and above - Board of Trustees
  
How do I find out if my purchase requisition has been made into a purchase order?
Log on to SAP. Go to: Logistics > Material Management > Purchase Order > List Display > By Account Assgt.
Enter your cost center (org #) then click on the check mark with a red circle above it.
This display will show PO#, vendor name, price of items and the item ordered.
 
How do I get a confirming purchase order (CPO) for a purchase under $2,500?
If a credit card cannot be used, contact Diane Craven at (989) 774-1737 or the appropriate buyer to obtain a CPO.
 
How do I request a sole source purchase for a purchase over $2,500?
A sole source purchase is for an item which can only be purchased from one vendor (thus a competitive environment does not exist). Adequate justification is required substantiating that no other vendor can supply the item. Also provide reasons for the request for this item (e.g. compatibility, spare parts, labor, training, design/performance specifications and/or uniformity). Finally, if it is known, provide the names of other universities that have purchased the item so they can be contacted to evaluate the vendors price quoted.
 
Can I charge a purchase to more than one cost center?
Yes, just indicate the cost centers and dollar amount to be charged to each cost center on the Purchase Requisition.
  
How do I return an item purchased on a purchase order?
Contact the appropriate buyer and provide the following information: Vendor name, PO number, and the reason for the return.  Some vendors may charge a restocking fee for returned items. 
  
Can I handle a PO return myself?
No, please contact one of the Senior Buyers to handle the return.
  
Who do I contact to expedite an item purchased on a purchase order?
Contact Diane Craven at (989) 774-1737 and provide the appropriate PO number.
  
What does encumbered mean?
It means that funds are reserved until the item is actually paid for.  PO’s are always encumbered while credit card transactions are not.
 
Will I be reminded to renew maintenance agreements (MA) and blanket orders (BO) currently in place?
Yes, a copy of the current MA/BO will be sent to the department one month prior to the MA/BO expiration date. Vendors are responsible for contacting the department regarding renewal costs and other pertinent information. If the department has not received any information from the vendor, contact the vendor and request the information.

Computers

 
Can I buy my office computer through an electronics store?
No we do not recommend this practice. These machines are set up for home use and often have multiple "home type" software packages which deplete the amount of hard drive space available for business applications, and adding Ethernet cards can be problematic. Also, their "life" is based on home usage hours rather than business hours.
Can I buy a Personal Computer?
Yes, the University currently has personal purchasing agreements with Apple Computer, Dell, Gateway and Lenovo.
Apple: (800) MY-APPLE
Apple Price Sheets

Dell: 1 (800) 973-3355 Member ID US16752025
Dell Price Sheet

Gateway: (800) 846-2754

Lenovo:
IBM Lenovo
(This address will re-direct you to the CMU/Lenovo site)

Is it safe to purchase 3rd party memory for my PC?
Yes, if you stay with a reputable manufacturer it is often less expensive than buying from the computer manufacturer. One thing you have to factor in is the installation cost. We currently use Crucial Electronics, Precision Data and Southland Micro to purchase memory. Network Servers are an exception to this. For best results, manufacturer memory modules should be purchased.


Can I contact CMU vendors for personal purchases?
Yes, just be sure to indicate that you are making a personal purchase rather than a University purchase and are not expecting special consideration.
My computer just died!!! Can you help me?
If your system is currently under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer’s technical support department or use CMU's technical support which is certified to provide warranty service for Gateway, Apple and Dell products.  


If you choose to use the manufacturer's technical support, once they have diagnosed your problem, they will ship the appropriate parts or replacement unit. Be sure to request on-site installation of parts if your system is still within the one year on-site warranty.  *CMU's technical support can also install the appropriate replacement parts once you have received them.  
If you choose to utilize CMU's Technical Support for Gateway, your department will not be charged if the repair is for reinstalling the operating system or defective hardware.  However, your department will be charged to reinstall non-operating system software. (i.e. Microsoft Office, SAP, Imaging System)


CMU's  Technical  Support:   (989) 774-3662
Gateway Technical Support:  (800) 211-4952
Dell Computer Tech Support: (800) 274-7799 Acct.#32597 or 61177315
Apple Computer -                 1-800-275-2273

  
Last updated: 12/15/2006