The use of preferred vendor contracts is a State of Ohio initiative mandated by the Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency in Higher Education. Kent State University implemented the mandate into university policy in order to increase efficiencies in expense management, as well as decrease cost to students and their families. All purchases of goods and/or services for which there is an existing university contract with one or more preferred vendor(s) must be made from those vendors.
Additional information about the mandate and considerations about vendor selection can be found at the Preferred Vendor Contracts FAQ.
These commodities and their corresponding vendors are the only mandated university contracts. If you need help sourcing goods or services with any other commodity, please contact procurement@kent.edu and diversevendorhelp@kent.edu for recommendations. Updates to these university preferred vendor contracts will be communicated through BAS forum communications.
Mandated Preferred University Contracts
The vendors within these commodities are a part of the State of Ohio initiative and are leveraged state-wide by the IUC-PG.
Copiers and PrintersDell Computers and LaptopsOffice Supplies
Scientific SuppliesSmall Parcel Courier ServicesTravel Services
The vendors within these commodities offer purchasing discounts and benefits through higher education consortias or
RFP-awarded contract agreements.
Audio Visual Equipment and ServicesBeverageCar RentalCellular Companies
Chartered BusingDocument Shredding and DestructionEnvelopesEquipment or Event Rental Services
Food and Catering (Dining)Haz Waste RemovalInformation Technology HardwareJanitorial Supplies
Linen ServicesMoving ServicesMRO SuppliesOffice FurniturePaint
Plaques, Trophies, AwardsPrinting Services & Special PaperPromotional ItemsUniversity Amazon Business Account