Preferred Vendors

Preferred Vendors are those that have been awarded a contract by Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing for use by all departments and schools. We strongly encourage departments and schools to use Preferred Vendors via iBuyNU, as all iBuyNU vendors are Preferred Vendors. Preferred vendors have been evaluated and determined to represent the best overall value to the University.

See all preferred vendors (SSO Required)

How does Northwestern select Preferred Vendors?

Preferred Vendor relationships are established one of two ways:

1. A contract is established based on the results of a formal competitive bid process managed by Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing.
   • Current providers of these products/services on campus are among those invited to submit a proposal.
   • Department/school representatives (some of your peers) are involved in the evaluation and decision making process.
   • The vendor(s) that are awarded contracts are determined to represent the best overall value to the University.
2. A pricing agreement is established based on a negotiation between Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing and the vendor.
   • Typically these agreements are established because it has been determined to be in the best interest of the University to establish a relationship with these vendors.
   • Some of the reasons are that there is a strong University preference for the product or service offered by a particular vendor, the product or service needed is proprietary, unique, or exclusive in nature, the individual amount per transaction may be very low, etc.

Benefits of Using Preferred Vendors

Maximizes Overall Best Value to the University

• Preferred Vendors deliver the best overall value to the University based on the price, delivery capabilities, quality, past performance, training, financial stability, ease of ordering, etc.

Ease of Ordering

• It's easier to order from Preferred Vendors, especially those with catalogs enabled in the iBuyNU marketplace.
• Reduced transaction costs (total costs of acquisition).

Improved Productivity and Efficiency of Department Personnel

• Departments/schools are not required to solicit other bids when choosing to utilize a Preferred Vendor because this activity has already been performed by Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing.
• Terms and conditions have also already been established.
• Allows departments and schools to better focus on their core responsibilities, which are primarily teaching, research, and other administrative duties.

Savings Due to Consolidating Purchasing Power and Leveraging Volume

• Consolidation of usage drives up volume, providing incentive for vendors to offer the best possible price.
• The price on contracts is the actual price departments/schools will pay. All savings are realized by the ordering department/school. If pricing is ever improved, everyone benefits.

Reduced Risk Due to Improved Contract Administration

• Service levels are higher because these vendors have a stronger commitment to the University.
• Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing monitors the performance of Preferred Vendors to make sure they comply with the contract agreement.
• Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing has considerable leverage and is able to hold these vendors more accountable in ensuring the products and services meet the expectations of departments/schools.
• If expectations are not met, Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing can assist in resolving the disputes.

Improved Access to Information

Leading to further improved contracts.

Better Management Control and More Automated Adherence to Policy

Minimizes the ethical questions about vendors you are purchasing from.