Contracting & Procurement

Welcome to Contracting and Procurement Services

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Our Mission

Contracting and Procurement Services (CAPS) provides guidance, support, and leadership throughout the campus procurement process to support the mission of the University. Our commitment is to provide fair, cost-effective, efficient procurement services that promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.

CAPS is committed to pursuing best value solutions through fair and competitive processes while maintaining professionalism, customer service, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our Services

Review, negotiate, and execute contracts
Develop and manage solicitations including Request for Quotes (RFQ), Request for Proposals (RFP), Invitations to Bid (ITB), and Request for Information (RFI)
Provide contractor and supplier recommendations
Provide training on best contracting and procurement practices
Promote the purchase of sustainable and accessible products and equipment
Promote the use of diverse and equitable vendors and suppliers
Maintain ePSU Marketplace for online purchase of goods

CAPS News & Announcements

September 29, 2023

SFO Delegated Contracts Dollar Amount Increase

Effective Thursday September 28, 2023, the SFO Delegated Contract Dollar Amount increased. Authorized and trained SFOs, as defined in the SFO Delegated Contract Procedure, have now been granted authority to sign Catering, Events, Hotel and Resorts, and Bus Charter contracts with a value up to $15,000 in accordance with and subject to procedures established by Contracting and Procurement Services.

September 19, 2023

PSI vs. PSC Limit Revision

Effective Friday September 1, 2023, the PSI vs. PSC limit has changed. The PSI Form may now be used: For services costing $10,000 or less;If total payments paid to the contractor by your Department in the calendar year does not exceed $10,000; ANDWhere a single payment will be made.The PSI still CANNOT be used to procure services from a Non-Resident Alien or Foreign Entity.The PSC Form must now be used:For services costing greater than $10,000;If total payments paid to the contractor by your Department in the calendar year exceeds $10,000; ORWhere multiple payments will be made.The PSC…

August 11, 2023

Revised Solicitation Thresholds

Effective July 13th, 2023, both Construction & Facilities and Goods & Services thresholds changed. The thresholds had not been changed for nine years, which caused an extreme decline in purchasing power, and few projects and/or purchases came in below the old thresholds. Goods & Services ThresholdsDirect Procurement No solicitation process required, but a PSU Contract is/may be required• Was: Contract Value up to $25,000• Revised: Contract Value up to $50,000Informal solicitation process required - Request for Quote (RFQ)• Was: Contract Value up to $25,001 to…

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Signature Authority

All goods and services contracts must be sent to Contracting and Procurement Services for signature. "Contracts" may include any documentation you receive from an external party that includes agreements, terms, conditions, or requires a signature. The authority to sign agreements on behalf of the University is very limited. Faculty and staff outside of Contracting and Procurement Services do not have authority to sign contracts.

SFO Delegated Contracts: Authorized and trained SFOs, as defined in the SFO Delegated Contract Procedure, have been granted authority to sign Catering, Events, Hotel and Resorts, and Bus Charter contracts with a value up to $15,000 in accordance with and subject to procedures established by Contracting and Procurement Services.

Solicitation Thresholds

CAPS is required to comply with the thresholds, methods, and procedures of procurement described in PSU Standard 580-61 and PSU Standard 580-62 (formerly Oregon Administrative Rules). For Federally funded procurements CAPS is also required to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200, also referred to as Uniform Guidance (UG).

Thresholds

$50,000 or less: Direct Procurement – No solicitation process required, but a Contract is/may be required.
$50,001 - $200,000: Informal solicitation process required - Request for Quote (RFQ)
Greater than $200,001: Formal solicitation process required - Request for Proposal (RFP)

* Uniform Guidance Solicitation Thresholds apply for Federally Funded Contracts.

If a Department is executing a Contract for Goods & Services valued over $50,000, the Department must complete the Solicitation Request Form and submit it to CAPS at contract@pdx.edu. Upon receipt of the form, a CAPS Contract Officer will review the request and work on drafting the informal or formal solicitation process documentation (RFP, RFQ, or ITB).

Ethics

All PSU staff and faculty are subject to the Oregon Ethics Laws (ORS 244). Contracting with any business in which you or your family member has a financial interest in maybe a conflict. If you have any questions or concerns of this nature, please contact Contracting and Procurement Services before proceeding.