Central Purchasing Department

The University of Cincinnati (UC) Central Purchasing Department is responsible for procurement of goods and services for the entire university, including Uptown West, Uptown East (Academic Health Center) and Reading Campuses, UC Blue Ash, and UC Clermont. Expenditures exceed three hundred and twenty five million dollars annually.

Since the university must provide for administrative, academic, medical, research, and individual student needs, almost every product and service imaginable is purchased. UC will continue to follow the procurement requirement of OMB Circular A-110.

UC employees seeking purchasing-related resources and PACE systems guides should visit the Purchasing Bearcats Landing site, where internal documents are published. 

How We Work

UC is a state institution with its own board of trustees. Much of what UC buys is competitively bid. Generally, bidding is conducted electronically (phone, fax, email) for small dollar purchases, and in writing for larger requirements. Buyers select prospective bidders in a number proportionate to each expenditure, ordinarily choosing firms that they evaluate as offering a maximum effort in competition and service. At fifty thousand dollars, advertisements are placed in two local newspapers. As a state institution, UC is privileged to use state contracts. The university also participates in joint purchase agreements with the State Universities Council, the City of Cincinnati, and others.

Location, Directions and Hours

Mailing Address:

Purchasing Department
University Of Cincinnati
PO Box 210089
Cincinnati OH 45221-0089

Hand Delivery Address:

Purchasing Department
University of Cincinnati
Room 560, University Hall
51 Goodman Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0089

Internal Mail Location:

0089

General Inquiries Number:

513-556-6742

Fax Number:

513-556-5262

Directions:

University Hall is located adjacent to the College of Nursing (Procter Hall). From East bound Martin Luther King Drive, turn left onto Vine Street and then right at the first light onto Goodman Drive. From West bound Martin Luther King Drive, turn right onto Vine Street and then right at the first light onto Goodman Drive. University Hall is the first building on the right. Central Purchasing is located in suite 320.

Hours:

  • By Appointment Only 
  • Closed on UC Holidays