Purchasing Guide
The table below is designed to guide campus employees to the allowable methods of purchasing items with University funds. Unless otherwise noted, all purchases are subject to bid limits. More information may be found by clicking the plus symbol at the beginning of each row. When possible, object codes and commodity codes are given to aid in the creation of requisitions within BobcatBUY. Expenses paid on Foundation funds are subject to Policy 03.016.
University Spending guidelines have been created to create efficiencies, reduce inequities between units, and ensure the public trust in the use of University resources.
Type | Pcard Payment | Payment Request | Purchase Order Type | Object Code | Commodity Code | Fund Types | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Actor/Entertainer | No | No | Short Form Services Agreement | 725030 | 444 | University, Foundation | Contractual payments for non-employee services as defined on the Short Form Services Agreement form [PDF]. May be taxable depending on aggregate payments in one calendar year. |
Advertising (Contract) | No | No | Services Agreement | 711110-711155 | 584 | University, Foundation | |
Advertising (No Contract) | Yes | Yes | No | 711110, 711120, 711135 | 584 | University, Foundation | Only if no contract required. |
Aircraft Hangar Fees | No | Yes | No | 732520 | 63 | University, Foundation | Payments for aircraft rental space or parking. |
Aircraft Landing Fees | Yes | Yes | No | 718140, 718240 | 63 | University, Foundation | |
Airline Travel (individual or groups of 9 or fewer) | Yes | No | No | 718110, 718210 |
542 | University, Foundation | PCard or CTA Card must be used. Personal frequent flier miles may not be obtained when purchasing a business airline ticket. Policy 41.121 |
Airline Travel Charter (e.g. Marching 110 / Athletics) | No | No | Services Agreement | 718115, 718215 |
542 | University, Foundation | Subject to bid limits. A supplier-provided agreement is necessary. Policy 47.020 |
Airline Travel Group (greater than 10 travelers) | No | No | Services Agreement | 718110, 718210 |
542 | University, Foundation | CTA Card may also be used. Subject to bid limits. If booked outside of OU contracted travel management company, a supplier-provided agreement is necessary. |
Airplane / Jet Fuel | No | No | Non-Catalog Order, Blanket | 712210 | 63 | University, Foundation | Preferred use of the multiservice card. |
Awards (Employee Recognition/Service) | Yes | Yes | Catalog, Non-Catalog | 707060, 719220 | 3644 | University, Foundation | Item may be taxable. An Employee Awards Request form will need to be submitted. Policy 40.011 |
Awards (Official Achievement Awards) | Yes | Yes | No | 719240 | 3644 | University, Foundation | Item may be taxable. |
Beverages - Alcoholic (Conferences) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 718520, 719110 | 528 | University, Foundation | May only be paid for if specifically listed on the conference agenda and included in the registration cost. Only the identifiable part of the registration fee that relates to alcohol should be charged to object code 718520. For University conferences, may also be ordered through OHIO Catering. You must include the agenda with the billing. |
Beverages - Alcoholic (Food Preparation) | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 755100 | 528 | University, Foundation | Used in catering/food preparation. |
Beverages - Alcoholic (University Events) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 718520 | 528 | Foundation | May also be ordered through OHIO Catering. Unsalted foods must be made available in quantities sufficient for the number of guests. Policy 24.001 |
Beverages - Alcoholic (University Guests) | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 718520 | 528 | Foundation | Alcohol acceptable in moderation and must be incidental to a meal. Policy 41.123 |
Beverages - Nonalcoholic (Common Areas) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 718510 | 528 | University, Foundation | Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. Includes bottled water and coffee. |
Beverages - Nonalcoholic (Office Use) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 718510 | 528 | Foundation | Employees' daily consumption within the office. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. |
Booth or Exhibit Space (No Contract) | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 711120 | 584 | University, Foundation | Reserving a space off-campus |
Broadband Internet Service | No | No | Services Agreement | 713440 | 444 | University, Foundation | For off-campus University leased or owned buildings only. Must have a business purpose. If provided for employee housing, may be taxable to the employee. |
Business Meetings | Yes | No | Services Agreement | 718410 | 444 | University, Foundation | Agenda or clear description of business discussed is required for substantiation. Attendees and relationship to University must be identified. No alcohol. No family. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. |
Cadaver | No | No | Non-Catalog Order | 712410 | 564 | University, Foundation | Payment for purchase of cadaver |
Cadaver Delivery or Disposal | No | No | Services Agreement | 725030 | 444 | University, Foundation | Payment for delivery of cadaver to/from University |
Cell Phone/ Service/WiFi/Data Reimbursement | No | No | No | Not allowed. Policy 55.075 | |||
Certification and Licensing Fees | Yes | Yes | No | 719120 | University, Foundation | Required certification to perform job duties and the University must have a direct benefit. Not subject to bid limits. Policy 03.020 | |
Charitable Contributions | No | No | No | Not allowed | |||
Citizenship Exam | No | No | No | For researchers working for the University. Not allowed due to personal nature. | |||
Cloud Services | No | No | Yes | See Software below | |||
Commuting charges | No | No | No | Reimbursement of travel expenses for an employee to commute to work are not allowed. | |||
Consultant Fees or Professional Opinion Fees | No | No | Services Agreement | 721010 | 444 | University, Foundation | Subject to bid limits. |
Copyright Fees - no terms | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | Varies | University, Foundation | Choose object code based on the purpose such as instructional supplies 712310, etc. | |
Copyright Fees - with terms | No | No | Services Agreement | Varies | University, Foundation | Choose object code based on the purpose such as instructional supplies 712310, etc. | |
Cork Fees | Yes | No | No | 718510 | Foundation | Restaurant Charge for opening wine | |
Decorations (Official University Functions) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 711630 | 542 | University, Foundation | Policy 42.501 |
Decorations / Flowers (for University Buildings) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 719230 | 535 | Foundation | Decorations must be for public areas. Policy 42.501 |
Demurrage (gas cylinders) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order, Blanket | 712460 | University, Foundation | Charges for canisters/cylinders. This is considered a usage fee and not a rental. | |
Discount Club Memberships | No | No | No | Not allowable. Examples: SAM's Club membership; United Airlines Red Carpet Club membership; Amazon Prime. | |||
Charitable contribution/Donations in lieu of flowers | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 719230 | Foundation | Only allowed for donation in lieu of flowers in memory of employee, employee's parent, employee's child, employee's spouse, employee's domestic partner, student, or those with a business relationship. $50 limit. Donations to the 帝王会所 Foundation should be processed by Foundation Accounting. Please contact a member of Foundation Accounting if a donation needs to be made to an 帝王会所 Foundation Account | |
Dry cleaning / laundry | No | No | Non-Catalog Order | 711610; 711640 | 532 | University, Foundation | Charges for dry cleaning or laundering of costumes, linens, etc. Does not include charges for dry cleaning of uniforms or other personal items |
Educational Fee Waiver | No | Yes | No | 709710 | University, Foundation | For attendance at any school with which 帝王会所 has a reciprocity agreement. May be taxable. For more information, see Educational Benefits. | |
Entertaining at Home | Yes | No | No | Consumables only. Paper plates, plastic cups, disposable table cloths, etc. Number of attendees and menu must be attached to substantiate food purchases. Include fliers, invitation, etc. showing the date of the event and the purpose. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. | |||
External employment services | No | No | Services Agreement | 722510 | 444 | University, Foundation | Fees paid to outside independent businesses for providing labor. |
External employment services for law enforcement and campus security fees | No | No | Services Agreement | 726010 | 444 | University, Foundation | Payments for law enforcement/security external to the University |
Film Development / Supplies | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 712310 | 404 | University, Foundation | |
First Aid Kits (No Medication Included) | Yes | No | Catalog Order | 712510 | 529 | University, Foundation | Not to be used for first response emergencies. In the event of an emergency, please call 911. |
Flight Insurance (Domestic) | No | No | No | ||||
Flight Insurance (International) | Yes | No | Services Agreement | 733110 | 542 | University, Foundation | To protect in case of canceled flight -- foreign flights only. Proof of insurance is part of required substantiation. Policy 41.121 |
Flowers | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 719230 | 542 | Foundation | Philanthropic relationships, hospitalization of a student or employee, or the funeral of a benefactor, employee, or member of employee's immediate family. The definition of immediate family found in OHIO policy 40.030 applies to all employees in relation to condolence flowers. |
Flowers (Student Funeral) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 719230 | 542 | University, Foundation | Funeral of a student. |
Food and Beverages (University Events) | Yes | No | No | Varies | University, Foundation | Applies to food and drinks ordered for University-sponsored events (such as pizza and subs and non-alcoholic beverages) that do not involve catering services or contracts. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. | |
Food and Beverages (University Events/Catering) | No | No | Services Agreement | Varies | 542 | University, Foundation | Applies to food and drinks served on the 帝王会所 campus or at University-sponsored events. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. Must contact Catering Office in Baker University Center if the cost of catering exceeds $250. Policy 47.015 |
Gasoline (Bulk Purchase) | No | No | Blanket | 714510 | 541 | University, Foundation | |
Gasoline (Personal Vehicle) | No | No | No | Not allowed | |||
Gasoline (Rental Vehicle/University Vehicle) | Yes | Yes (non-employees only) | No | 718120, 718220 |
University, Foundation | For rental vehicles while on travel status. Concur will be used for the reimbursement request if paid out of pocket. Student reimbursements will be handled on the TER form. Non-employees will be reimbursed through the Payment Request. | |
Gift Cards / Certificates (for Supplies) | No | No | No | Purchase of gift card to later buy supplies is not allowed. | |||
Gift Cards / Certificates (Prizes) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 719240 | 119, 3644 | University, Foundation | Must be purchased no more than 7 days in advance if purchased on a PCard so it can be substantiated within 10 days as required by policy. Name, amount and signature of recipients are required as substantiation as well as receipt for purchase. Greater than $100 requires a W9 from the recipient. May be taxable to recipient. |
Gift Cards / Certificates (Research Subjects) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 719410 | 119, 3644 | University, Foundation | May be purchased with a research advance. Must be purchased no more than 7 days in advance if purchased on a PCard so it can be substantiated within 10 days as required by policy. Name, amount and signature of recipients are required as substantiation as well as receipt for purchase. Greater than $100 requires a W9 from the recipient. May be taxable to recipient. |
Gifts (going away) | No | No | No | Not allowed | |||
Gifts (Promotional) | No | No | Catalog Order | 711120 | 119 | University, Foundation | Must not exceed $100 per person per calendar year. May be taxable. Please use preferred supplier, Consolidus. Printing Services may be able to provide some items. |
Gifts (recipients have a relationship to the University) | Yes | Yes | Catalog, Non-Catalog Order | 719230 | 119, 3644 | Foundation | Graduating students or persons external to the University who have a business or advancement relationship to the University. Must not exceed $100 per person per calendar year. May be taxable. Policy 03.016 |
Gifts (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | Catalog, Non-Catalog Order | 719210 | 119, 3644 |
University, Foundation *Under current University Spending Guidelines only Foundation funds may be used. |
Must not exceed $400 per person per calendar year. Must be awarded as part of a meaningful presentation.Cash, cash equivalent, vacation, meals, lodging, theater or sports tickets are considered taxable income to the employee/retiree. |
Golf Outings | Yes | Yes | Non Catalog | 718510 | 542 | Foundation | Golf Outings are seen as social in nature and therefore not allowable on University funds. |
Greeting Cards | Yes | No | No | 719230 | Foundation | Must be for a person(s) external to the University with a business relationship. | |
Guest Appearance | No | No | Short Form Services Agreement | 725030 | 444 | University, Foundation | Contractual payments for non-employee services as defined on the Short Form Services Agreement form [PDF]. May be taxable depending on aggregate payments in one calendar year. |
Holiday Gatherings | No | No | No | Not allowed. | |||
Honorarium | No | Yes | No | 719310 | 604 | University, Foundation | Non-contractual payments to speakers less than or equal to $1,500. May be taxable depending on aggregate payments in one calendar year. Honorarium Form must be completed. |
Hotel Group (10 rooms or more) | No | No | Services Agreement | 718150, 718250 | 542 | University, Foundation | |
Hotel Individual (9 or fewer rooms) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 718150, 718250 | 542 | University, Foundation | Use of PCard or CTA card preferred with reconciliation in Concur by employee or delegate. |
Hotel Internet Charges | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 718150, 718250 | 542 | University, Foundation | Business travel only. Charges while on vacation are not allowable. |
Housing Leases by Employee | No | No | No | Employees must receive a stipend or reimbursement to cover housing costs. | |||
Housing Leases by 帝王会所 | No | No | Services Agreement | 732510 | 帝王会所 must be the lessee and proper Signature Authority applies. | ||
Immunizations - Administered by medical professional | Yes | Yes | No | 724010 | Must have a business purpose. Only required immunizations will be paid. Employees may be reimbursed through Concur for eligible expenses. | ||
Independent Contractors | No | No | Short Form Services Agreement/Services Agreement | 725030 | 444 | University, Foundation | See Independent Contractor page for guidance. |
Inspection Fees | Yes | Yes | Services Agreement | 717100 | 444 | University, Foundation | Not subject to bid limits. Fees associated with fire safety, elevators, etc. |
Insurance Fees | No | No | Services Agreement | 733110 | 444 | University, Foundation | |
Interview Meals | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 718410 | 542 | University, Foundation | Interviewee spouse is allowed. Employee spouse only allowed with business purpose. Per IRS, a bona fide business purpose exists if you can prove a real business purpose for the individual's presence. Incidental services, such as typing notes or assisting in entertaining customers, are not enough. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. |
Key Deposit Reimbursements | No | Yes | No | 230600 | University, Foundation | Housing is allowed to take apartment deposits that cover damage including keys; for all other departments, please use the Department Key Request and Agreement [Word]. | |
Late Charges | No | Yes | PO | Varies | Varies | University, Foundation | Department needs to state the reason for delinquency on the requisition. Must follow |
Legal Services | No | Yes | Services Agreement | 723510 | 444 | University, Foundation | Can only be paid for by Legal Affairs. |
Legal Settlements | No | Yes | No | 723520 | University, Foundation | Must be initiated by Legal Affairs and approved by the VP of Finance and Administration and Tax Compliance Manager. | |
Limousine Services, Charter Shuttles, Car with Driver | No | No | Services Agreement | 718120, 718125, 718130, 718220, 718225, 718230 | 444 | University, Foundation |
Any ground transportation greater than three (3) passengers, arranged in advanced, requires contract and additional insurance. On spot taxi service, should never have more than three (3) University employees at one-time. |
Major Medical, Eye Care, and Life Insurance | No | No | No | Not allowed. Policy 41.010 | |||
Meals (Personal-Non Travel or Same Day Travel | No | No | No | ||||
Medical Exams/ Services (Student Athletes) | No | Yes | Varies | 529 | University, Foundation | For student athletes only. | |
Medical Services | No | Yes | Services Agreement | 724010 | 444 | University, Foundation | Examples include blood alcohol tests, or employee drug testing. |
Medicine / Drugs | No | No | No | Medicine not purchased by Hudson Health Center, HCOM, Campus Recreation, Athletic Training, or approved research. Directive from Safety and Risk Management: reasons for not allowing OTC ingestible medicines -- (1) No assurance against tampering (2) Medications expire and are not always removed or replaced (3) Allergic reactions are possible. | |||
Memberships and Dues (Civic Clubs) | Yes | Yes | No | 719120 | Foundation |
Limited to President and sr. admins (Provost, VPs, and Deans). May be taxable. Civic clubs only. Social clubs are not allowable. |
|
Memberships and Dues (Professional Organizations) | Yes | Yes | No | 719120 | University, Foundation | Multiply year memberships should only be purchased if there is a business reason to do so. Policy 03.020 | |
Memorial Gifts | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 719230 | 537 | Foundation | $100 limit for a tangible item in lieu of flowers. Only allowed one tangible item per occurrence. Only allowed in lieu of flowers in memory of employee, employee's parent, employee's child, employee's spouse, employee's domestic partner, student, or those with a business relationship. |
Music Downloads | No | No | No | Not allowed. | |||
Parking Tickets | No | No | No | Not allowed. If issued internally, contact Parking Services for resolution. Policy 47.001 | |||
Passports | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 718240 | 542 | University, Foundation | Business purpose for travel required. |
Ping Passes (Visiting Groups) | No | No | Internal Billing Authorization | 780250 | University, Foundation | Not taxable for non-degree student groups with a business purpose. | |
Printing Services | No | No | Services Agreement | Varies | 536 | University, Foundation | All requests for printing services will be submitted to the Printing Services. If Printing Services cannot meet the needs of the order, an external supplier may be used. Policy 55.035. Please use Consolidus for promotional items. |
Professional Services (Architects or Engineers) | No | No | Services Agreement | 725010 | 444 | University, Foundation | |
Professional Services (external to the University) | No | No | Services Agreement | 725030 | 444 | University, Foundation | Includes professional training services. |
Professional Services (帝王会所 Review Writers) | No | No | Short Form Services Agreement | 725030 | 444 | University, Foundation | If pay is calculated as amount per page, it is not an Honoraria and is considered a professional service. |
Publication Fees | Yes | Yes | Services Agreement | 711320 | 444 | University, Foundation | Payment for journal publication fees. |
Radiation Monitoring Film Badges | No | No | Catalog/Non-Catalog Order | 712410 | 529 | University, Foundation | Use preferred supplier if available. |
Regalia | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order, Blanket | 719230 | 542 | University, Foundation | For individual employees, rental only. Departmental purchases allowed and ownership must be retained by the department for loan to employees as needed. |
Referees, Umpires, Sport Officials | No | No | No | Must use ArbitorPay | |||
Payments for Participation | No | Yes | No | 719410 | University, Foundation | This refers to payments directly to research subjects, study participants, standardized patients and human subjects. | |
Sanitizing Supplies | Yes | No | Catalog Order | 714110 | 535 | University, Foundation | Items for sanitizing hands, work and public areas. |
Security Deposits (Housing) | No | No | No | Not allowed | |||
Shipping items to home address | No | No | No | Shipping any items to home address is not allowable. If there is a business purpose to ship to a remote work site, an exception must be obtained prior to purchase. | |||
Social Gatherings / Parties | No | No | Services Agreement | 718510 | 444 | Foundation | Must be infrequent. May include families. Personal parties are not allowed. Must comply with your planning unit administrative guidelines. |
Software | No | No | Services Agreement | Varies | 444 | University, Foundation | All purchases need reviewed by OIT for security and accessibility. Purchasing must review all user or license agreements. Includes online service subscriptions, web hosted sites, data storage and cloud services. |
Space Heaters | No | No | No | Not allowed due to Policy 44.105. All requests for purchase of space heaters must be submitted to Facilities Management. | |||
Speeding Tickets | No | No | No | Not allowed. Includes any motor vehicle violations. | |||
Sponsorship | No | No | Services Agreement | 711110 | 444 | University, Foundation | Should be for advertising only. |
Subscriptions-Online Software | No | No | Services Agreement | See Software above | |||
Subscriptions-Periodicals | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 713620 | 525 | University, Foundation | Professional periodicals delivered to an OHIO address. No reimbursements to individuals will be made for more than a one year subscription. |
Temporary Guest Housing | No | No | Services Agreement | 718150 | 444 | University, Foundation | For visiting professors, scholars, etc. May be taxable. |
Tickets (Athletic / Entertainment / Social Events) | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 718510 | 542 | University, Foundation | Must be for the entertainment of individuals with a business or philanthropic relationship. May be taxable. University events may be paid on University funds. |
Tickets (Departmental gathering) | Yes | No | Non-Catalog Order | 718510 | 119, 3644 | Foundation | May be taxable. Infrequent social gathering with family. |
Towing | Yes | Yes | 717100 | 542 | Only allowable for Transportation and Parking Services, not for personal vehicles. Policy 47.001 | ||
Training/Conference | Yes | Yes | 719130 or 719110 | 607 | Registration associated with education. Not paying professional training services. | ||
Travel and Entertainment (for spouses) | No | No | Non-Catalog Order | Use appropriate code for domestic or foreign travel | 542 | University, Foundation | Requires prior approval. Must have a demonstrated business purpose. Policy 41.121 |
Utilities | No | No | Blanket Order | Varies | 135 | University, Foundation | Telephone, electricity, gas, water, cable, etc. |
Visas | Yes | Yes | Non-Catalog Order | 718240 | 530 | University, Foundation | May be taxable. Not allowable for permanent resident status applications. Those coming to the University should check with International Student and Faculty Services. |