Doing Business with UNF

UNF announces formal solicitations via its Bid Portal. Suppliers are advised to routinely check the platform for opportunities to supply goods and services to the University. 

The Supplier Resources Page provides key materials for review. 

• Alerts & Updates 
• Bid Portal / Solicitations 
• Bid Submission Guide 
• Information for Bidders 
• Terms & Conditions 
• Forms & Insurance Requirements 
• Tax Resources 
• Supplier Engagement Resources 
• Procurement Regulations 
• Sustainable Procurement Information
• Sole Source Notices 
• Quote Thresholds 
• FAQs

• A campus department identifies a need for goods or services. 
• A supplier responds to and is selected through a competitive solicitation. 
• A Procurement Services Buyer determines a supplier can meet a university requirement. 
• A contract opportunity is identified. 

Supplier registration is not required to express interest in doing business with UNF.

Registration is required only for suppliers with a pending purchase request, contract, or other established business need with the University.

What to Expect During Supplier Registration

• UNF department or Procurement Services will initiate a Supplier Onboarding Request.
• The supplier will receive a secure registration link and onboarding instructions via email.
• Two onboarding emails will be sent. Both forms must be completed and submitted to finalize registration.
• Suppliers should carefully review the onboarding instructions. Links to additional help resources are included with the instructions in the Standard Supplier Onboarding Form (Form 1).
• Suppliers must monitor the Message Center in the second onboarding form for communications and requests from UNF.
• Registration information will be reviewed, and upon approval, a Supplier ID and record will be created.

For assistance with supplier onboarding, watch the Supplier Onboarding Tutorial or contact supplierhelp@unf.edu

Once onboarding is completed, business may be conducted through one or more authorized procurement methods:

• Purchase Orders
• Procurement Cards (P-Cards) or Travel Cards (T-Cards)
• Supplier Invoice Direct Pays

Suppliers should not begin work or provide goods or services until supplier registration is completed or appropriate University authorization has been issued.

UNF Procurement Services maintains University contracts and utilizes competitively solicited agreements to achieve the best value for the institution.

Suppliers interested in long-term opportunities should monitor the Bid Portal and engage with Procurement Services regarding upcoming sourcing initiatives. 

Contact procurement@unf.edu for sourcing help or information. 

UNF promotes competition whenever practical and required. 

Successful suppliers are proactive, responsive, and engaged throughout the procurement process. To improve your opportunities with UNF, suppliers should:

• Monitor the Bid Portal regularly.
• Submit complete and responsive proposals.
• Ask questions during the solicitation process when clarification is needed.
• Provide innovative, cost-effective solutions.
• Maintain accurate contact information.
• Stay informed and communicate relevant market developments.
• Follow all solicitation requirements and deadlines.

Incomplete or non-responsive submissions may be rejected.

Central Receiving is part of UNF Procurement Services and supports the University by receiving, verifying, and distributing goods shipped by suppliers. Central Receiving helps ensure deliveries are routed efficiently to the appropriate campus locations. 

Suppliers should provide complete and accurate shipping information, including the recipient’s name, department, building, and room number, when applicable. Clear delivery information helps facilitate timely receipt and delivery of orders.

In some cases, large shipments or deliveries to remote campus locations may be delivered directly to the requesting department. Suppliers should follow delivery instructions provided by the University and reference the applicable purchase order number on shipping documentation whenever possible.

Suppliers with delivery, shipping, or receiving questions can contact Mike Trotter, Manager of Shipping & Receiving, at mtrotter@unf.edu.

Many low-dollar purchases are made using the UNF Procurement Card (P-Card). 

The P-Card is often the University's preferred payment method for small-dollar transactions because it:

• Reduces administrative costs
• Accelerates purchasing
• Improves transaction efficiency
• Simplifies payment processing

UNF is a public institution subject to Florida's Public Records Law. 

Documents submitted to the University as part of a solicitation or procurement process may become public records and may be subject to disclosure unless specifically protected by law.

Suppliers should carefully identify any information they believe is confidential and understand that pricing, terms, and conditions are generally not considered confidential.

For information regarding public records requests, please visit the UNF Office of General Counsel. You can find guidance and procedures for submitting requests on their website.