Current News
This page provides 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 News Stories By Year or view Back Issues of our newsletter for more information.
Featured Stories
- Cost Containment Measures
- Guidance for Navigating Tariffs and International Shipments
- Procurement and Payment Services Has Moved
- AP Check and Corporate Card Pickup
- Key Travel Online Booking Tool Now Live
- Clarification for Meal Reimbursement Options
- New Requirement Coming: Expense Supervisor in myHR
- Upcoming Apple Transition to CDWG
- Northwestern Print - Cost Savings and Adjustments
- 2025 Preferred Vendor and Business and Finance Expo
- Revised Contract Templates
- Amazon Business Prime Account Reminders
Regular Features
New Contracts
Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) conducts many Invitations to Bid to establish contracts for use by departments and schools. These contracts may be for use by all departments and schools, which are Preferred Vendors, or they may be contracts for use by specific departments and schools. Contracts are established based on the results of a formal, competitive Invitation to
Recent Contracts Established by PPS |
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Existing Contract Updates
Updates to existing contracts established by Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) may include new contact information for dedicated representatives, service updates, and newly available products. For questions about these updates, please view the individual vendor pages on the Preferred Vendor List or contact PPS at 847.491.8120 or procurement@northwestern.edu.
Recent Changes Made to Contracts Established by PPS |
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Contracts We're Working On
Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) is always working to establish Preferred Vendor contracts that best serve the needs of all Northwestern departments and schools. These are a combination of new contracts and timely rebids of current contracts. For questions about these or other bids, please contact PPS at 847.491.8120 or procurement@northwestern.edu.
- Janitorial Supplies (underway, the bid process has begun and is estimated to last 6-9 months)
- PC Hardware preferred vendor evaluation
- Global Marketing MDAM Software RFP
- Adobe Creative Cloud Extension
- Declining balance card program
- Maintenance, Repair, Operation (MRO) items
- Refresh of pre-qualified list of staffing providers
- Shredding
- Interior Signage
- Office furniture
- Computer supplies
- Fuel Oil (specific fuel replenishment at energy plants on the campuses)
Travel Related
Travel Related Updates |
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The REAL ID into Effect May 7, 2025 Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license or identification card will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights. To ensure uninterrupted air travel, all travelers must obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or State ID card, a valid passport or passport card will be accepted. How to obtain a Real ID:
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New Rules for Traveling to or Connecting Through the United Kingdom All travelers going to or connecting through the UK must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is a mandatory, paid-for authorization to travel, with security clearance completed in advance. This applies to visits under six months for tourism or business. Travelers can apply here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. Important Notes:
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University Changes to How Students are Covered by GeoBlue Insurance for International Travel Effective January 1, 2025, students will be automatically covered under GeoBlue, when traveling internationally, if their trip is registered in the International Travel Registry (ITR). No separate enrollment is required. For detailed information, visit the Office of Global Safety and Security's (OGSS) webpage GeoBlue for Students. A few highlights:
Promote ITR Registration (and GeoBlue coverage) to Your Student Travelers The Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS) developed materials to explain the importance of travel registration:
Contact globalsafety@northwestern.edu to request undergraduate or graduate student digital postcards and the PDF poster. The PDF poster applies to all student travelers. NEW 5-minute Travel Video and Companion Checklist for Traveling Abroad OGSS has released their latest traveler tool: Safe & Healthy Travel Abroad: Essential Tips for Travelers. This five-minute video is tailored for student travelers but offers valuable insights for everyone and will be deployed to all who register a trip in the International Travel Registry. Their Trip Planning Checklist has also been revised to align with the video. |
United Airline Preferred Vendor Benefits When booking United flights through our travel agencies, Northwestern travelers receive exclusive behind-the-scenes benefits with United Airlines—even when pricing matches public fares. Be sure to book through our preferred travel channels to take advantage of these amenities. Northwestern’s negotiated contract with United Airlines offers our travelers these advantages:
For more information on this partnership, please visit the United Airlines Partnership web page. |
United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge is Back! United Airlines, Northwestern University’s preferred airline, is pleased to offer the opportunity to participate in their 2025 MileagePlus® Premier® Status Match Challenge, offering top-tier flyers of many other airlines a way to quickly reach comparable status in the MileagePlus program. This offer is valid for requests received between January 8, 2025, and June 30, 2025. After the required documentation is successfully submitted and United has confirmed you meet the criteria to participate in the Premier Status Match offer, you will be upgraded to Premier Silver, Premier Gold, or Premier Platinum status for 120 days (the “Challenge Period”), based on the level you hold in your current frequent flyer program, within five to seven business days after completing an Activating Flight. An "Activating Flight" is a flight operated by United or United Express® that is completed within 90-days after the documentation that you submit for this offer is approved and the flight is posted to your MileagePlus account. Individuals who do not complete an Activating Flight in the required time period, will no longer be eligible for the Premier Status Match offer, and are not eligible to again submit for a Premier Status Match in the same calendar year. For more information and a link to the MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge form, please visit MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge | United Airlines. If you are not currently a MileagePlus member, please sign up by visiting https://www.united.com/en/us/account/enroll/profile. It is free to join. |
Special Savings from the Omni Chicago One of our preferred hotel vendors, Omni Chicago, is offering special amenities for all stays from March 1st - April 30th booked through our travel agencies including Key Travel and through their booking link through our preferred vendor pages. Omni Chicago is an all-suite hotel located on the Magnificent Mile. Treat your travelers to:
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For all travel program related questions, contact Kathy Koestring at 847-467-0590 or kathy.koestring@northwestern.edu. |
Sustainability Highlight
Reduce & Reuse! The Northwestern Surplus Property Exchange is a free online bulletin board where University departments can list or claim gently used University property—desks, chairs, lab equipment, and more. By reusing rather than buying new, we reduce waste, cut costs, and support a more sustainable campus. Sign up for the listserv to get email alerts when new items are posted.
General Updates and Reminders
Fisher Storeroom Carts
Calling all Northwestern-Fisher Scientific Storeroom Shoppers! We kindly ask that after you receive your products from the storeroom, you remember to retrieve your cart in iBuyNU and move it forward for approval and payment processing. This helps us keep our inventory levels accurate and ensures timely invoice payments. Please reach out to the direct Fisher Storeroom if you have questions on your open or pending carts.