Buying & Contracts

Procurement Laws and Regulations

This section is a comprehensive guide to navigating the legal landscape governing procurement practices. From federal statutes to local ordinances, it provides invaluable resources and insights into the complex framework of laws and regulations that shape procurement processes. The curated collection of statutes, regulations, and best practices, empowering business and finance professionals to make informed decisions and mitigate risks in all aspects of procurement.

Procurement Code and Higher Education Procurement Rules

All purchases are made according to the provisions of the Illinois Procurement Code and the Higher Education Procurement Rules of the Chief Procurement Officer for Public Institutions of Higher Education and other applicable state and federal regulations. Competitive sourcing is used where practical or required by law. There are also internal university policies that govern purchasing and other applicable state and federal regulations. Competitive sourcing is used where practical or required by law. There are also internal university policies that govern purchasing.

Tax Exempt Status

This webpage clarifies the University of Illinois System's tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. As an instrument of the State of Illinois, the University of Illinois System enjoys exemption from federal income tax pursuant to Section 115 of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service recognizes the U of I System as exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3).

Board of Trustees Approval Thresholds and Schedule

This is a comprehensive resource for understanding the University of Illinois System's approval thresholds and submission deadlines for board-related matters. Here, you'll find detailed information on the thresholds that dictate when proposals and initiatives require approval from the Board of Trustees, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. Additionally, we provide clear guidance on submission deadlines, empowering university departments to navigate the approval process efficiently and effectively.

Small Purchase Limits / Competitive Solicitation Thresholds

The Illinois Procurement Code has established small purchase limits/competitive solicitation thresholds for individual procurements of supplies, services, professional and artistic services, and procurement of construction. Any purchases below these thresholds is not required to be procured via a competitive solicitation.

State Agency Review and Oversight

This webpage sheds light on the crucial role played by the Procurement Policy Board (PPB) and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) in overseeing procurement activities in Illinois. Awards resulting from competitive solicitation processes and Sole Source awards undergo thorough review by these independent state agencies. Explore this resource to understand the oversight mechanisms and promote accountability in state procurement practices, fostering a culture of equity and inclusivity in procurement processes.

Purchases Not Subject to the Illinois Procurement Code

This webpage is dedicated to elucidating the exemptions outlined in the Illinois Procurement Code (Code) and Administrative Rules. Certain purchases, as defined by the Code, are exempt from its provisions. Here, we provide clarity on these exempt purchase types, ensuring understanding and compliance with procurement regulations.

Exempt Purchases

Explore procurement exemptions under the Illinois Procurement Code (Code) and Administrative Rules. Exempt purchases, exceeding the Small Purchase Limit, meet specific criteria outlined in the Code. Here, you'll find details on various exempt purchase types, ensuring clarity and compliance in procurement.

Supplier Diversity

This page focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion in procurement practices within the University of Illinois System. Here, we outline our diversity goals, emphasizing our commitment to fostering a diverse supplier base reflective of our community. Learn about certification processes for diverse vendors and explore tools to search for and connect with these suppliers, ensuring equitable opportunities for participation.

Who to Ask

Contact information for the purchasing offices can be found on the Purchasing & Contract Management About page.

For further details contact the applicable subject matter experts listed in Who to Ask.

Did You Mean...?

The information in this section addresses purchases and payments to vendors. If you are looking for information about how to paying or reimbursing employees, students, or non-employees who are not vendors, please see the Paying People section.