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FAQ

What commodities does the university purchase?
A listing of some of the commodities that are purchased can be found here. However, this list is only representative and is not inclusive of everything the university purchases.

We want to sell our products or services to UC Merced. What do we need to do?
Contact buyer(s) to introduce your company products/services. Find the Procurement Services staff directory online.

Where can we find a list of buyers for UC Merced that purchase our products and services?
A listing of commodities and the appropriate buyers can be found on the Buyer Commodity List.

If I register as a vendor or submit a Business Information Form, will I receive automatic notification of bidding opportunities?
No, there are no automatic notifications; however, you can check our UCOP RFP/RFQ(link is external) website at any time for current bidding opportunities.

How does a vendor get added to the bidder’s list?
We do not maintain a centralized bidder list; however, buyers maintain bid lists for their respective commodities.​

How can I find out what goods/services are currently being solicited by UC Merced?
The campus posts formal bids on the campus website at RFP/RFQ​. Suppliers may view and download all bid documents from that site.​

Can I just stop by and introduce my company and myself to someone in Procurement Services, or do you require appointments?
Appointments are preferred; however, drop-in visits are welcome pending the availability of the buyer.​

At what dollar level of purchases are quotes or bids required?​
The California Public Contract Code (link is external) and university policy Business and Finance Bulletin (BUS) 43 Part 3​ (link is external) require that formal bids be obtained for purchases of $100,000 or more. Requirements less than $100,000 are generally competed through informal competition via verbal or written solicitations.​

Does the university pay sales tax?
Yes, most university purchases are taxable with the exception of products purchased for resale or other items exempt from sales and use tax.​

What is the university’s tax rate?
Deliveries or shipments to the Merced campus are subject to 7.50 percent tax. Note that the campus is outside Merced city limits, and therefore, is not subject to the additional .50 percent city tax.​

How do I find out if my invoice has been paid?
Payment information is available by completing the application at the vendor self-service website here (link is external).​