UW monitors state purchasing consolidation

State government’s drive to consolidate procurement services is being monitored closely by UW–Madison officials to affirm that the campus’ needs are being met in key areas.

The state Department of Administration, in a cost-saving move, is looking to centralize contracts for such items as food service, travel, office supplies and equipment, information technology consulting and peripheral computing equipment.

Campus officials are working to ensure that the plan takes into account the needs of the university and students.

“As we deal with these procurement issues, we want to make sure that the unique needs of our students and the campus community are taken into account,” says Darrell Bazzell, vice chancellor for administration. “A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. We’re working closely with the state to help guarantee that our needs are met in a fiscally responsible way.”

A recent example is the state’s proposal to buy most of the food served at state institutions — including prisons, health-care facilities and UW–Madison — from one prime vendor.

The university is especially interested in safeguarding that the quality of the food is not compromised. Unlike tax-funded food services, the university’s student and campus customers have a choice of where they dine.

Regardless of the products being purchased, Bazzell says university officials will carefully review and work with the state Department of Administration on efforts to consolidate purchasing because of the university’s unique needs in many areas.