Medical and Laboratory
Details
The Medical and Laboratory Team manages a wide array of commodities in support of Columbia University’s Laboratory, Research, and Medical Schools and Departments. Many of the services managed by our team are supported by University-wide Purchasing Agreements (UwPA), which includes several vendors available in the CU Marketplace. Department Select Agreements as well as some additional approved suppliers are also available. All schools, departments, and clinical facilities are strongly encouraged to pursue UwPA vendors as their primary supplier resources.
In the event a good or service is not covered by a UwPA, the Medical and Laboratory Team can provide sourcing assistance through competitive sourcing.
It is important to note that when suppliers provide services on-site at any and all Columbia locations, their Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required prior to arrival on-site to initiate those services.
You should review the enabled CU Marketplace suppliers list in the Goods and Services Catalog to find UwPA vendors for medical and laboratory needs.
When you're ready to shop, visit the CU Marketplace or access it from the ARC tile to shop from the available vendors.
UwPA Purchases
- The department creates a requisition in ARC to process an Auto-Sourced Purchase Order (PO) using the correct category code.
- To support this purchase order, a quote is obtained and uploaded into the EDM where it is indexed as “Quote/Proposal-Awarded.”
Non-UwPA Purchases
- The department must ensure the supplier is validated by Vendor Management prior to issuing a requisition.
- The department obtains the quote/proposal(s) from the supplier(s) to upload into the EDM. The awarded quote is indexed as “Quote/Proposal-Awarded.” Any additional quotes are indexed as “Quote/Proposal.”
- The department must confirm the vendor’s address in ARC matches the address on the awarded quote.
- The department will create a requisition and provide all required information, including supplier email.
- For onsite service engagements, Department will secure Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Department will submit Sole/Single Source Justification when required to support supplier selection. For orders over $10,000 or 2 competitive quotes are required; For orders over $250,000, 3 competitive quotes are required please see updated competitive sourcing policy.
- For Foreign Supplier: Department will conduct Currency Conversion Check (if not in US dollars).
- Department will conduct an Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) check for all foreign suppliers.
- Department will properly receive purchases and upload documentation in support of requisitions.
- Department will process invoices in a timely manner once purchase is received.
Prior approvals are required for the following purchases:
Controlled Substances for Research
- A Purchase Order is required. You must use Category Code 51142200.
- You must upload your DEA License and NY State License for the researcher who will be using the items.
- The RASCAL training certificate for the researcher must be attached as well.
Radioactive
- A Purchase Order is required.
- Prior approval is required from the Radiation Safety Office triggered by dedicated RAM category code.
- All radioactive materials must be delivered directly to the Radiation Safety Office where it will be checked, logged in, and surveyed for any contamination prior to Department receipt of items.
- RAM may NOT be delivered directly to the Lab.
Refrigerators and Freezers for Research
- Prior approval from Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is required.
- You must complete the Refrigerator and Freezer form and send to EHS prior to sending a requisition to Purchasing.
Lasers
- You must complete the laser form and send it to EHS prior to sending the requisition to Purchasing.
- You must also upload the same signed form with the required requisition documentation for Central Purchasing approval if the laser category is class 3B and 4 or higher.
All international shipments must be cleared through an International Customs Broker authorized by the University through a valid Power of Attorney. Contact Michael Reich for assistance.
Customs Broker Details:
Horizon Air Freight
152-15 Rockaway Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11434 Ext. 119
Tel: 1 718 528 3800
Fax: 1 718 949 0655
Contact: James Gassert – Terminal Manager
Documents
Download the Columbia University Credit Reference.
Contacts
For additional information and guidance, please contact the Medical and Laboratory Team Lead.