Contracts & Forms

Helpful Procurement information is provided below, including forms, Board of Public Works and Board of Regents schedules, and the procedures related to Maryland Correctional Enterprises.

Requisition for Purchases

Per TU 08-03.00, Procurement Policy, invoices for goods and services exceeding $5,000 will not be paid without a purchase order, and shall be made in accordance with Towson University Procurement Policies and Procedures, unless specifically excluded, pursuant to the USM Procurement Policies and Procedures. For purchases $5,000 and below, the using department shall utilize the University’s Procurement Card Program.

Purchases exceeding $5,000 must be entered into STRATUS. 

Requisitions shall be submitted prior to the required dates for both goods and services. Please attach any quotes, proposals, software contracts, specifications, etc., that will help the Procurement Office Representative assigned to the purchase to process in a timely manner in accordance with Towson University Procurement Policies and Procedures. Depending on the value and nature of the purchase, a competitive bid may be required.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Procurement Department at    in the university procurement office. 

Request for Independent Contractor Services

Per TU 08-03.30, Consultant Policy, the University may utilize professional advice or services for a fee, when University employees, within the scope of their function, cannot provide expertise adequately. The policy is applicable for all consultants hired, and is not intended for use when paying an honorarium, or stipend to an individual, or when engaging a visiting scholar.

Using the applicable link provided below, the using department shall submit an Online Request for Independent Contractor (IC) Services Over $500 form. Please review the Independent Contractor Form Instructions (PDF) for information on completing the form. The form shall be submitted prior to the start date of service, and requires attachment of the IC’s W-9 Form. If the IC has provided a W-9 Form with the Employer Identification Number completed in Part 1, a Request for IC Services Over $500 form is not required, and the purchase shall be completed in accordance with Towson University Procurement Policies and Procedures.

Independent Contractor Request

Grant Funded Independent Contractor Request

Forms

It is vital for departments to complete the necessary forms before procuring any goods or services. The accurate submission of these forms enable the university to maintain compliance with state laws and regulations.

Schedules

The Board of Public Works (BPW) and Board of Regents (BOR) meetings often affect the procurement of capital goods and services at the university.

Maryland Correctional Enterprises Procedures

Maryland Correctional Enterprises (formerly State Use Industries) is the preferred vendor for university furniture. Interested buyers can visit the MCE website  to review their furniture catalog.  You can select the "QUICK SHIP" option to see items that are available for faster shipping.

If the furniture needed is unavailable through MCE or if another furniture vendor besides MCE is preferred (i.e. due to MCE product unavailability, University uniformity requirements, etc.), a waiver must be granted by MCE prior to making the purchase.

Departments/Requestors are responsible for coordinating delivery and installation (as required) with the University Materials Management and/or Facilities Departments.

To purchase furniture at Towson University, buyers must adhere to the following:

Furniture purchases of $5,000 or less - Use the Procurement Card

When the furniture purchase amount is equal to or less than $5,000, the transaction can be completed with the university issued procurement card (contact the Procurement Card Program Administrator at for questions). If the furniture needed is unavailable through MCE or if another furniture vendor besides MCE is preferred (i.e. due to MCE product unavailability, University uniformity requirements, etc.), a waiver must be granted by MCE prior to making the purchase.  If MCE provides a waiver, the purchase can be completed using the procurement card. Cardholders will need to include a copy of the approved MCE waiver with their expense report submission.

Cardholders are not allowed to split furniture purchases to circumvent procurement procedures.

Furniture Purchases over $5,000 - Use a Purchase Order (Requisition required)

When the purchase amount is over $5,000, the transaction must be paid for via a purchase order. The customer shall submit a requisition to Procurement. Once the approved requisition is received, the Procurement department will process the requisition pursuant to the University’s governing policies.  If the furniture needed is unavailable through MCE or if another furniture vendor besides MCE is preferred (i.e. due to MCE product unavailability, University uniformity requirements, etc.), a waiver must be granted by MCE prior to making the purchase.  MCE (or another vendor) will work directly with the customer to complete any necessary order forms. MCE (or selected vendor) and the requestor will be responsible for coordinating delivery schedules.  In some cases, the requestor may also need to coordinate with Materials Management and/or Facilities for delivery and/or installation.  Receiving and inspecting of the order will by the responsible parties of the University.

Capital Projects

When a campus department establishes a need to renovate an area, they shall contact Facilities Management. Facilities Management will determine the viability and general requirements of the project. If Facilities Management determines there will be a need for furniture as part of the renovation, the project manager will notify Procurement to discuss the project furniture requirements. Facilities Management will continue to work with the customer to develop the space layout and to generate a furniture list for MCE. Procurement and/or Facilities will arrange for an MCE representative to meet with the customer. Procurement and/or Facilities Management will review the space and furniture layout to determine whether MCE can meet the needs of the customer and determine the budget for the project. Once these matters have been resolved, MCE will work directly with the customer and coordinate with Procurement and/or Facilities to complete the project. If landscape office partitions are purchased, MCE will coordinate that partition layout with Facilities Management. If MCE declines the order and issues a waiver, Procurement will solicit quotes from firms currently under contract. If the furniture cannot be efficiently purchased under existing contracts, Procurement will solicit quotes pursuant to the university’s governing procurement policies.

Used Furniture

For information regarding the purchase of used furniture, please click here.