For Vendors

Essential Information for New Vendors

Vendors interested in doing business with Northwestern University should familiarize themselves with the following:

The University is exempt from the retailers' occupation tax, the service occupation tax (both state and local), the use tax, the service use tax, and the Federal excise tax.

Our Illinois State tax exemption identification number is E 9990-4055-06.
Our Federal excise tax exemption certificate registry number is 3673-0269F.

Preferred Vendors are those that have been awarded a contract by Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing for use by all departments and schools. Preferred vendors will be listed on our Preferred Vendors list.

Northwestern University is a separate buying organization from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation. These organizations should be contacted separately for purchasing and business matters.

Campus layout and location of departments and schools

Schools, departments, and units encompass the Evanston and Chicago campuses. Become familiar with the campuses by using the interactive campus map.

Parking on or near campus

Parking is at a premium. On the Evanston Campus, get a daily vendor parking pass at the Evanston Parking Office in order to park on campus. There are commercial parking lots near the Chicago Campus.

Purchase orders and getting paid

A Northwestern purchase order number (PUR) must be included on the invoices and invoices should be submitted electronically to invoicesonly@northwestern.edu with some exceptions, as outlined on the Submit Invoices for Payment page. If there is no purchase order (PUR) number, the vendor must work with the specific department/school for invoice processing. Strategic partners with catalogs in iBuyNU should submit invoices through the iBuyNU system.

Electronic payment methods are available to vendors.

Contractor Insurance Requirements

Opportunities for Vendors

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Vendors from a variety of product and service categories are utilized by campus users to help with business-related functions.

Vendors that have been successful at the University have developed a relationship with Procurement and Payment Services as well as individual departments and schools by providing quality products and services at a fair market price.

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News

Recent News and Announcements

Office Furniture & Workspace Solutions

July 21, 2026

Broken out are updates on a previous newsletter item regarding the award of two contracts for office furniture, with substantial discounts when ordering through BOS and Henricksen.

Tariff Refund Guidance

March 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 Improvements

March 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.

See all News and Announcements