Catch up on procurement-related news, including featured stories from our Dollars & Sense newsletter, current updates related to our Preferred Vendors and upcoming events.
You can also view our Dollars & Sense Newsletter Archive to read past articles.
Customer Service PortalMarch 12, 2026 Procurement and Payment Services has embraced the new SaaS Team Dynamix to enhance the customer service experience. To improve the quality and efficiency of the customer service process we now have two options to submit tickets and inquiries within Team Dynamix. |
New Gift Card Program for Research Participant PaymentsJanuary 15, 2025 Procurement and Payment Services worked with Depository Services to establish a new gift card program and stored value card program to support the payment of research participants. |
New W-9 Form Required - Effective June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 A new version of the IRS Form W-9 is available and required with supplier registration requests, effective June 1, 2024. |
Procurement and Payment Services' MoveJune 1, 2024 Procurement and Payment Services moved to 1800 Sherman, 6-600, Evanston, IL 60208. Corporate cards and in rare instances when checks need to be held for pick up will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30am to 4:00pm at 1800 Sherman, 6-600. |
Accounts Payable Best PracticesMarch 12, 2026 It is always important to refresh the Northwestern University community on our Accounts Payable best practices. We want to outline important reminders and best practices relating to NUQuickPay, Customer Service and ER Attachments, and Accounts Payable invoice related email clarifications. |
Enhanced Website Now LiveMarch 12, 2026 We are excited to invite you to explore the recently enhanced Procurement and Payment Services website. Learn more about this expansive and far-reaching project. |
Tariff Refund GuidanceMarch 12, 2026 The United States Supreme Court recently invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. PPS is monitoring the situation and working closely with our key customs clearance and export controls service partners for further information. We understand that this situation is still evolving and we will remain diligent on any updates. |
Guy Brown Delivery ImprovementsMarch 12, 2026 Guy Brown has implemented a new distribution process to address recent delivery issues across our Evanston campus. To improve service, your delivery experience is now handled by the Guy Brown Care Team. |
PPS Staffing UpdatesMarch 12, 2026 Finding the best talent for our Northwestern team is key to PPS’s place within the university. We have recently made key changes to management. These new members have already hit the ground running and are central to PPS and its future contributions. |
Software Purchased with a Corporate Card must be Reviewed by NUITMarch 12, 2026 Please review additional information about policy and compliance and the relationship between Purchasing and Payment Policy and IT Security Policy. |
Winter Recess CoverageDecember 1, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern University will observe a Winter Recess beginning December 24, 2025 through January 1, 2026. |
GeoBlue Rebrands as Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global SolutionsOctober 22, 2025 GeoBlue, the company that manages our international health insurance and assistance plans for eligible students and employees traveling abroad for university purposes, has changed its name to BCBS Global Solutions. Our coverage and benefits are not impacted by this change, but returning users will notice visual changes in both their App and web portal. See International Health Insurance overview. This plan is not impacted by Northwestern's switch to United Healthcare for domestic coverage. |
Apple Transition to CDWGJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter As previously announced, the Preferred Vendor of Apple products is transitioning to CDWG. |
Coming this August - Preferred Vendor and Business & Finance ExpoJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter We’re excited to announce the return of the Preferred Vendor and Business & Finance Expo, taking place on Tuesday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Norris University Center (2nd Floor) and Pancoe Pavilion. |
Coming this October - Expense Supervisor Requirement for Expense ReportsJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter To support compliance with Northwestern’s expense reimbursement policies, a new requirement will be implemented in October 2025. |
Enterprise Mobility Foundation has Donated $4000 to Evanston’s Youth Job CenterJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Not only is Enterprise Rent-A-Car the preferred car rental agency of Northwestern University, Enterprise Mobility™ and the Enterprise Mobility Foundation™ also actively work to make communities stronger through philanthropic giving. |
Expense Reimbursement Module: Expanded UseJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter The process of expense reimbursements can be done through two methods. |
Fiscal Year End 2025 RemindersJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter As we approach Fiscal Year End (FYE) for 2025, we highlighted some information related to Procurement and Payment Services. |
Invoice Procedure RemindersJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Invoices for purchase orders placed through iBuyNU are submitted to Northwestern automatically once the items are delivered. |
Pre-Qualified AV Integration Service ExtensionsJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern currently has six vendors that are pre-qualified for AV integration projects, and all six vendor agreements were recently extended through April 30, 2028. |
New Supplier Payment Method Queries Now Available in NUFinancialsJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Two new queries have been added to NUFinancials to help users view a supplier’s payment method. |
Introducing the University's New Outbound Express Shipping PlatformJuly 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new outbound shipping solution for all domestic and international shipments: eShipGlobal. |
2025 Preferred Vendor and Business and Finance ExpoApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) will host a Preferred Vendor Expo on Tuesday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Norris in the Louis Room. |
Amazon Business Prime Account RemindersApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern maintains a central Amazon Business Prime account. Individual Prime memberships are not allowed, departments funds cannot be used to pay for these. |
AP Check and Corporate Card PickupApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Checks held for pick up and Corporate Cards are available to pick up from Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) at the following locations and times. |
Clarification for Meal Reimbursement OptionsApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter The updated Travel and Entertainment Policy (March 1, 2024) includes the following clarifications, effective March 1, 2025. |
Cost Containment MeasuresApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter In alignment with recent leadership’s communications regarding Northwestern’s financial challenges, several cost containment measures have been implemented to ensure responsible stewardship of University resources. |
New Requirement Coming - Expense Supervisor in myHRApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter To ensure compliance with expense reimbursement policies, Northwestern will require all employees and their proxies to have an active expense supervisor in myHR beginning October 1, 2025. |
Guidance for Navigating Tariffs and International ShipmentsApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Please note that PPS continues to work closely with strategically sourced Preferred Vendors to manage pricing on their contracts to mitigate the impact of tariffs. |
Key Travel Online Booking Tool Now LiveApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Key Travel, Northwestern’s new travel partner, is now fully operational. |
Northwestern Print - Cost Savings and AdjustmentsApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter There are a couple of things that you can do to help speed up processing of your supplier registration requests. |
Upcoming Apple Transition to CDWGApril 25, 2025 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Purchasing Apple products through CDWG provides greater overall value than purchasing from Apple. |
Changes to Vendor File Management TeamDecember 19, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Elizabeth Gladic recently retired from the University after a long and distinguished career. |
New Shuttle ContractDecember 19, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Procurement and Payment Services recently conducted a Request for Proposals to establish a new comprehensive transportation program consisting of shuttles services as well as the student safe ride program. |
New Travel Contracts: Preparing for Northwestern's New Online Booking ToolDecember 19, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern is introducing two new travel vendors to better support our unique travel needs. |
Trademark & Licensing: Product Orders with Licensed ManufacturersDecember 19, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter As mentioned in the summer newsletter, only licensed manufacturers are permitted to reproduce Northwestern’s registered marks. |
Update to Dell Return PolicyDecember 19, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Dell is now strictly enforcing this return policy, which can be found on the Dell website. |
Winter Recess CoverageDecember 19, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern University will observe a Winter Recess beginning December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025. |
AV Integrator Vendor ContractsAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter As a reminder, Procurement and Payment Services maintains a list of six pre-qualified AV integration vendors. |
Business Cards Catalog Now in iBuyNUAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter C2 Imaging, Northwestern University’s new Preferred Vendor for branded standard business cards and stationery, is now live in iBuyNU. |
Outstanding Travel ExpensesAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter If a department’s travel expenses have not posted to their chart string accounts, chances are there was a problem with the chart string. |
Fiscal Year End 2024 RemindersAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter As we approach Fiscal Year End for 2024, visit the Fiscal Year End web page for important information, including key dates, resources, and contacts. |
New iBuyNU Platform is LiveAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Procurement and Payment Services and NUIT implemented the new platform supporting iBuyNU, effective July 1. |
New Travel Online Booking Tool Provider SelectedAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) recently conducted a formal bid process and selected a new travel online booking tool partner. |
Office Supplies Contract UpdateAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) recently conducted a formal bid process and selected a new preferred vendor for office supplies. |
Renting a Car for University Business? Complete Risk Management’s Safe Driver ProgramAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter The Office of Risk Management has outlined the Safe Driver Program to serve as a guide to promote the safety of drivers and passengers when operating a vehicle for University business. |
Trademark & LicensingAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter The University's growth and prominence have led to a surge in demand for products featuring its name, trademarks, and logos, necessitating strict control over their usage through trademark licensing. |
Usage of Corporate Card for Foreign TransactionsAugust 7, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter The OANDA currency conversion calculation sheet should NOT be included as an attachment to the expense report when reconciling corporate card transactions. |
Amazon Prime RemindersApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern has an Amazon Business Prime account that users can access through iBuyNU. |
Amazon Purchases of ComputersApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Northwestern acquires business-grade machines from trusted suppliers like Dell or Lenovo/CDWG, ensuring higher quality and superior warranties. |
CDWG Return PolicyApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter CDWG’s return policy requires that returns be initiated within 30 days of receipt of the product. |
Computer Hardware StandardsApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter As a reminder, our computer hardware contracts with Dell and Lenovo (through CDWG) in iBuyNU are designed for Northwestern to receive the best discounts on our established configuration standards. |
Dell Return PolicyApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Dell has recently started to strictly enforce their return policy. Dell is no longer offering exceptions to their policy, which can be found on the Dell website. |
Introducing Guest Supply - Your New Hospitality Supplies and Bed Linens SupplierApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter We are excited to welcome Guest Supply as our preferred supplier for hospitality essentials, including bed linens, shower curtains, towels, toiletries, and more. |
Household Relocation Moving Services ReminderApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Peak household moving season runs from April through August -it's crucial to plan ahead to ensure availability. |
Introducing a New Platform for iBuyNUApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter The current platform supporting iBuyNU is being discontinued by the vendor and we have diligently explored alternatives for our eProcurement system. |
New W-9 FormApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter There are a couple of things that you can do to help speed up processing of your supplier registration requests. |
Tax Exemption to VendorsApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter When a department or school is making a purchase from a supplier, they may ask for Northwestern's tax exemption certificate. |
Travel and Entertainment PolicyApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter We are pleased to inform you of recent updates to the University's Travel and Entertainment (T&E) Policy. |
Truck Rental Option Now Accessible Through Enterprise Rental ProgramApril 11, 2024 From Dollars & Sense Newsletter Faculty, staff, and student groups have the ability to rent a vehicle through the Northwestern Vehicle Rental Program. |