Vendor Management

Introduction and General Information
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is a State of Texas Agency and Institution of Higher Education organized under the Constitution and laws of Texas. UTMB is one of six health components of the 15 Institution University of Texas System http://www.utsystem.edu/, which is governed by the nine-member UT System Board of Regents appointed by the Governor. UTMB occupies 84 acres and 54 major buildings on its main campus and has numerous community-based sites in Texas.

UTMB employees and volunteers have committed themselves to service, diversity, education, community, and innovation-all with the common goal of safeguarding the health of Texas.

UTMB's Purchasing Department is responsible for the procurement of all supplies, materials, equipment, and services for UTMB's Clinical Academic, Research, and Support Areas. Purchasing supports UTMB by providing an efficient, cost-effective system for the acquisition of products and services that represent the "Best Value" for UTMB, consistent with quality and delivery requirements, and in compliance with applicable state and federal statutes.

Purchasing provides the following services to UTMB:

  • Procurement of products and services
  • Procurement processing
  • Contract Administration
  • Provides and assists with preparation of specifications
  • Assists with resolution of procurement problems
  • Assists with product sourcing and pricing information
  • Provides training in purchasing policies and procedures

HUB and Federal Small Business Programs:

Administers a program of good faith effort to maximize opportunities for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) firms and Federal Small Business concerns to provide materials, supplies, equipment, and services to UTMB

Procurement Authority
As a State of Texas Agency of the University of Texas System, UTMB's procurement authority is granted and governed by the University of Texas Board of Regents' Rules and Regulations and state and federal statues.

Bid/Quotation Process
The following outlines minimum requirements for those orders processed on the open market; however, UTMB may directly place orders for products and services utilizing existing State, Institutional or Cooperative/Consortium Contracts.

$0 to $14,999Non-bid, award to best source include HUBs where applicable.
$15,000 to $50,000Minimum: Three (3) written quotes (i.e., email, fax); suggested source and two (2) HUBs.
$50,001 or greaterMinimum: Three (3) written bids; suggested source and all HUBs in the "Vendor Database".

Vendor List

UTMB does not maintain a vendor database for supplier selection. All suppliers must register on the State of Texas Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL). The CMBL is managed by the Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS). To register go to their website http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/.

It is the policy of UTMB to maximize the opportunities for Historical Underutilized Business (HUB) firms to provide materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to support UTMB. UTMB is committed to a good faith effort to increase the number and value of business transactions with HUB firms consistent with the state's functional goal to build a solid foundation for social and economic prosperity. For more information please visit UTMB's HUB website.

Additionally, UTMB is committed to maximizing the participation of Federal Small Business concerns in providing UTMB materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to support UTMB. For more information please visit UTMB's Federal Small Business Program's website.

Bid Openings
Please check each individual bid document for exact bid opening times and dates.

Award
Award of a purchase order will be made to the bidder whose bid represents the best value to UTMB, and which conforms to specifications, terms, and conditions of the solicitation.

Purchase Order
UTMB's Purchase Order is the only authorized method for the purchase of products or services obligating UTMB for payment. An official Purchase Order contains, at a minimum, the following:

Purchase Order Number
Description of the products and/or services being ordered
Quantity, Price and Extended Price
Delivery Address
Invoicing Address
UTMB's General Terms & Conditions
Authorized Signature

Tax Status
UTMB, as an agency of the State of Texas, qualifies for exemption from State and Local Sales and Use Taxes pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Limited Sales, Excise, and Use Tax Act.

Delivery
UTMB Central Receiving; 14th & Strand Streets; Galveston, Texas 77555-1027, accepts delivery of most products ordered by UTMB. Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday excluding State of Texas' Holidays. Any questions regarding delivery to this location should be directed to Central Receiving at 409.772.5341.

Certain items must be delivered directly to the ordering department rather than to Central Receiving. The purchase order will specify the appropriate delivery address.

Substitutions of items specified in a purchase order are not permitted without Supply Chain Management/Acquisition's prior written approval.

Invoicing
Invoices should be submitted to UTMB Accounting Division; 301 University Blvd.; Galveston, Texas 77555-0907. All invoices should be itemized and include UTMB's Purchase Order Number. In order to receive prompt payment within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice, please submit an invoice that includes, at a minimum, the following information:

Seller's mailing and e-mail (if applicable) address
Seller's telephone number
Name and telephone number of a person designated to answer questions regarding the invoice
UTMB's Purchase Order number
UTMB's full name: “The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston”
A valid Texas Identification Number (TIN) issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts
A description of goods and services in sufficient detail to identify the order which relates to the invoice
Invoices must agree in all respects with the Purchase Order (i.e., quantity, price, catalog number, etc.)
Other relevant information supporting and explaining the payment requested as needed.

Failure to submit invoices in accordance with the requirements above may delay payment. All cash discounts offered will be taken if earned. Cash discount will be calculated from date of receipt of properly submitted invoice. UTMB's payment terms are 2% 10, NET thirty (30) days.

Any questions concerning invoices should be directed to Accounts Payable at 409.747.7259.

Loaner and/or Demonstration Equipment
Vendors' representatives may provide demonstrator or loaner equipment for purposes of exploration/examination only with the approval of Supply Chain Management/Acquisition.

Protests and Disputes
In the case of a protest or dispute of an action taken by Supply Chain Management/Acquisition any actual or prospective bidder, offer or, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract may write a letter to the Chief Purchasing Agent outlining any concerns which may exist. Such protests or disputes must be submitted in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the occurrence of the action which is protested or disputed.