Harvard expects you to make sound purchasing decisions that will ensure the continued and efficient operation of the University. The Harvard University Procurement Management Department is committed to helping you get the most out of every procurement dollar. We help by establishing vendor partnerships for major commodities. These partnerships have been negotiated by Procurement Management with the cooperation of the faculties using the full benefit of the University's considerable buying power. By ordering from the vendor partners whenever possible, you get lower prices and exceptional vendor service.
Some departments have very comprehensive purchasing procedures.
You should be familiar with these procedures and adapt the guidelines presented in this manual to the requirements of your individual departments when necessary. This manual also explains Federal procurement requirements. Harvard receives substantial research funding from Federal agencies and is obligated to maintain a federally approved purchasing system.