Procurement Department

The Procurement Department purchases goods and services using best value practices while working collaboratively to meet the needs of customers.

In support of Towson University's mission, the Procurement Department will:

  • Establish and administer contracts effectively.
  • Procure goods and services for best value and in a timely manner.
  • Delegate procurement authority using the Purchasing Card Program to promote efficiency.
  • Support the State of Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise, Small Business and Veteran Business Programs as well as the Federal Small and Disadvantaged Business Programs.
  • Participate in campus sponsored community outreach.
  • Utilize technology to streamline business processes.
  • Ensure university business is conducted in a fair and open environment and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

essential purchase approval form

Click here for the updated Essential Purchase Approval DocuSign Form

TU’s faculty and staff play an important role in maintaining the university’s sound financial footing. 
 
In response to the state-imposed reductions to TU’s budget, we are adding an additional layer of approval on purchases equal to or exceeding $50,000.  Beginning May 21, 2025, all purchase requisitions, except those that are grant-funded, will require additional approvals based on the following thresholds:

  • Requisitions from $50,000 to $149,999 must be approved by the Divisional Vice President (VP).
  • Requisitions of $150,000 and above require approval from both the Divisional VP and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

When submitting requisitions in STRATUS, if the purchase is equal to or exceeding $50,000, the required documentation will now include the completed and signed Essential Purchase Approval Form. Requisitions of $150,000 and above will be automatically routed to the CFO for final approval; however, they still require a signed Essential Purchase Approval Form.
 
The additional layers of approval will allow the University to ensure we are being fiscally prudent with our resources in these times of budgetary challenges.
 
You can do your part by limiting purchases to those that are essential to our academic mission, health and safety, or essential business operations. Before purchasing anything, consider whether there are lower or no-cost options available to you, such as utilizing on-campus sources for furniture and computers before purchasing them new.
 
By finding creative solutions and taking a prudent approach to spending, we can all help TU stay strong!

FY26 Requisitioning

Purchasing - How to Create a Requisition for FY26

For information on creating a requisition in the next fiscal year, see our how-to document (PDF).

Purchasing Guidelines

TU’s faculty and staff play an important role in maintaining our sound financial footing.  We ask you to do your part:

  • Limit purchases to those that are essential to our academic mission, health and safety, or essential business operations.
  • Some examples of essential purchases include critical learning tools for students, supplies necessary for the health and safety of the campus community, and purchases needed to implement legislative requirements.  

By finding creative solutions and taking a prudent approach to spending, we can all help TU stay strong.

 

Electronic Bid Board

For our electronic bid board, please visit Work with TU.

Stratus Financials is TU’s modern business platform and budget planning system.

Access Stratus through MyTU

 

Helpful Links

National Procurement Websites

USM Procurement Departments

State of Maryland Websites

Web Guides

Federal Websites