Procurement Service Center asks CU buyers to think local

CU’s Procurement Service Center (PSC) is aiming to make the university’s already strong habit of doing business locally an even greater strength.

CU spent $546.3 million at local vendors in 2020-21, not including spending with purchasing cards and travel cards. CU defines local spending as doing business with a vendor or supplier based or locally owned in Colorado or with a physical presence in the state.

The PSC encourages those in the university community making purchases on behalf of CU to seek out Colorado companies when possible. The center also invites members of the CU community to suggest local businesses that the PSC might consider.

“By choosing local businesses, CU directly supports the communities we serve,” said Ed Mills, associate vice president and chief procurement officer. “In this way, CU can expand its already strong contribution to the Colorado economy and build deeper relationships with community partners.”

CU does business across the state, primarily along the Front Range. Among individual counties, CU in 2020-21 relied most on vendors in Denver County (1,137 unique suppliers), Boulder County (794) and Arapahoe County (516). The three top categories for local spending were transportation, food and entertainment; construction, manufacturing and facilities; and public service/administration/public utilities.

The PSC is a CU system office charged with administering purchasing and payable functions for all campuses. The PSC helps departments obtain the best value for every dollar while complying with applicable rules.

For more information, visit the PSC website or submit a question to psc@cu.edu.