Getting Started
New to purchasing at Penn? Find the tools, resources, and guidance you need to navigate the University’s purchasing process with confidence.
Purchasing
If you’re new to purchasing at Penn, you’ve come to the right place. This page provides an overview of Penn Marketplace, purchasing methods, contracts, supplier selection, training resources, and travel tools to help you get started.
About Penn Marketplace
Penn Marketplace is Penn’s online procure-to-pay (P2P) system, providing a single platform to source goods and services, request new suppliers, submit non-PO payment requests, and manage purchasing activities across the University. Designed to streamline the purchasing process, Penn Marketplace connects buyers, suppliers, and approvers in one centralized system, making it easier to purchase goods and services, process payments, and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
Approved Purchasing Methods
Penn offers two primary methods for purchasing goods and services:
Purchase Order
A Purchase Order (PO) is the University’s preferred method for purchasing goods and services. Whenever possible, purchases should be made using a Purchase Order.
Purchasing Card
For eligible purchases—generally those under $1,000—a University-issued Purchasing Card (P-Card) provides a convenient alternative when issuing a Purchase Order is not practical.
Additional Purchasing Options
Additional purchasing methods are available for specific business needs.
- Other Purchasing Cards — Specialized purchasing cards are available for event and meeting planners, fleet vehicle managers, bookstore purchases, and authorized student purchasers.
- Non-PO Payment Request — When a Purchase Order or approved purchasing card cannot be used, a Non-PO Payment Request provides a method for requesting direct payment.
Travel & Entertainment
Penn offers preferred tools and payment methods to support University travel and expense management:
Online Travel Booking
Faculty and staff can book airfare, hotels, and rental cars through the Concur online booking tool or by phone through Penn’s preferred travel management company, World Travel.
Penn Travel Card
For hotel, rental car and all other reimbursable travel and entertainment expenses, Penn offers the Penn Travel Card, a Visa card issued by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Business airfare may also be charged to Penn’s centrally billed Business Travel Account (BTA). Hotel and rental car reservations require either a Penn Travel Card or a personal credit card to secure the reservation.
The Penn Travel Card integrates with Concur, allowing eligible travel expenses to flow directly into the expense reporting system.
For additional travel information, please visit our Travel & Expenses section.