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At the University of Oregon, we know you're busy. With full schedules, it’s easy to stick with the same vendors or ask a colleague for recommendations. But what if broadening your vendor options could save time, money, and offer better results? Here’s why taking a few extra minutes to explore vendor diversity can make a real difference:
- Better Pricing
New vendors often offer competitive rates. Expanding your options can help you find cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. - Improved Quality and Service
Familiar vendors are comfortable, but new vendors bring fresh energy and high-quality services. You might experience faster turnaround times or more personalized support. - Innovative Solutions
Diversifying vendors opens the door to innovative products and services. Whether it’s cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly materials, or custom solutions, new vendors may offer options you haven’t considered. - Support for Small or Local Businesses
Exploring different vendors can also mean supporting small or local businesses that align with the University of Oregon’s sustainability and community impact goals.
How to find new vendors
We understand that researching new vendors can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve streamlined the process:
- Use the UO Purchasing Portal
Search for new vendors in the UO Purchasing Portal Once logged in, click on the Vendors tab at the top of the Portal homepage and search for vendors using keywords that describe the services you are looking for. Vendor profiles will identify those who self-report as women-owned, minority-owned, disabled veteran-owned, or small businesses. - COBID-Certified Vendors
The state of Oregon has a certification process to recognize minority-owned, women-owned, and emerging small businesses. You may search the COBID Certified Vendor Directory and download the results to an Excel spreadsheet. While the state of Oregon only certifies around 2,500 businesses through the COBID program, the UO allows vendors to self-identify as one or more historically underutilized businesses. This expands your options while still supporting diverse businesses. - Vendor Showcase and Travel Fair
Meet new vendors in person at our bi-annual Vendor Showcase and Travel Fair. The next one will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 and is a great opportunity to connect with a variety of vendors and explore new options that fit your needs. - Consult Our Team
Need help? Reach out to our team. We can guide you through the vendor selection process and help you navigate our vendor list in the UO Purchasing Portal.
Taking a little extra time to explore your vendor options can lead to big benefits for your department. Whether it’s saving money, improving quality, or supporting local businesses, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s make every purchase count.