Buying at Penn
Penn provides the tools, contracts, preferred suppliers, and resources faculty and staff need to purchase goods and services for their work across the University.
When purchasing on Penn’s behalf, buyers are responsible for using University resources wisely and following the appropriate purchasing processes and policies. Purchasing decisions should consider overall value, including price, quality, service, risk, and sustainability, while also supporting opportunities for local and small businesses when possible.
By using Penn’s preferred resources and purchasing practices, buyers can help simplify the process, manage risk, strengthen supplier relationships, and make the most of Penn’s collective purchasing power.
Thoughtful purchasing helps Penn get the best value from its resources while supporting the University’s mission and community.
Purchasing
Making Purchases
Approved Purchasing Methods
The University of Pennsylvania has established purchasing policies and protocols to help University faculty and staff purchase effectively and compliantly. Systems and processes have been put in place to help facilitate smart purchasing practices. Utilizing these tools while following University policies and best practices helps ensure the University is properly mitigating risk, purchasing compliantly, containing cost, and maximizing overall value to the University
Policies
Access Procurement Services policies, forms, and resources to support purchasing and payment activities at Penn. Procurement Services provides access to the policies, forms, and resources used throughout the University’s purchasing and payment processes. Use the links below to find the information you need.
Training Resources
Access training, reference materials, and frequently asked questions to help you use Penn Marketplace with confidence. Individuals assigned the role of Preparer or Approver for Non-PO Payment Requests are automatically assigned web-based training through Knowledge Link. Training is based on each user’s role in the Non-PO Payment Request workflow and provides the knowledge needed to create, review, approve, and submit requests in Penn Marketplace.
Sustainable Purchasing
Working collaboratively with our students, staff and faculty, Penn Sustainability aims to foster innovation, empower future leaders and recognize advancements in university-wide social, environmental and economic change.
Local Buying
Engaging Locally! Located in West Philadelphia, Penn operates among a thriving business community. The University works closely with area suppliers and stakeholders to encourage local business growth.
Strategic Sourcing and Category Management
To support the University’s sourcing needs, Procurement Services’ Strategic Sourcing team partners with Schools and Centers to recommend suppliers; manage and support project sourcing efforts; and oversee supplier management efforts.
Contracting
To support the University’s sourcing needs, Procurement Services’ Strategic Sourcing team partners with Schools and Centers to recommend suppliers; manage and support project sourcing efforts; and oversee supplier management efforts.
BEN’s Attic
Ben’s Attic is Penn’s internal online exchange for surplus Penn property. It’s an easy and sustainable way to find a new use for items that are no longer needed (equipment, furniture and supplies) by one Penn organization, but perhaps needed by another.