Procurement
Announcements
Unauthorized Commitments
July 8, 2024
To all Department Heads:
An Unauthorized Commitment (UAC) is defined as “an agreement that is not binding solely because the University representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement on behalf of the University.” In accordance with Morgan State University Procurement Policy and Procedures, the only individuals who can bind the University are those designated by the President or his designee (Procurement) within the limits of their delegated authority. It is the policy of the University to have zero unauthorized commitments.
All individuals responsible for a UAC can be held personally liable to the vendor for the total cost of supplies or services obtained until the extent of the University’s liability is determined. The primary factor in determining whether a purchase is considered a UAC is contracting authority.
Morgan State University Procurement Policy and Procedures requires that all vendors have an approved procurement instrument in place (i.e. purchase order, contract, blanket purchase agreement, etc.) prior to providing goods or services. Entering contracts verbally or without appropriate authorization is prohibited.
Any vendor who delivers services or goods to the University without a proper contract is doing so entirely at their own risk. The University does not pay for goods or services that were provided without the benefit of a properly executed contract.
November 7, 2024
To all departments,
As part of our commitment to supporting small businesses and complying with the State of Maryland’s mandate, we need to shift our purchasing approach from large companies to small businesses for transactions between $50,000 and $500,000 to the maximum extent practical. This change not only helps us meet the state’s goal of allocating 15% of our total contract value to small businesses but also brings significant benefits to both the university and the local economy.
Benefits to the University and the Economy:
-
Economic Growth: Supporting small businesses stimulates local economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation within our community.
-
Diverse Supplier Base: Engaging with small businesses diversifies our supplier base, leading to more competitive pricing and innovative solutions.
-
Community Engagement: Strengthening ties with local businesses enhances our university’s reputation and demonstrates our commitment to community development.
Steps to Take Before Requesting Quotes:
-
Research Small Businesses: Before requesting quotes, take the time to research and identify small businesses that can meet your needs. Utilize resources such as Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Maryland DOT - Certification Management System
-
Consult with Procurement Team: Speak with your procurement team member to get guidance on the process and ensure you are aware of all available resources and support.
-
Assess Capability and Capacity: Work together with the procurement team to ensure that the small business contractor has the capability and capacity to accomplish the work required. This includes verifying their qualifications, past performance, and financial stability.
Additionally, all purchase card buys must also prioritize using small businesses for their purchases. The procurement office is actively exploring contract opportunities to ensure we are engaging small businesses for these low-dollar items to the maximum extent practicable.
By following these steps and embracing this new approach, we can collectively contribute to the success of small businesses and the overall prosperity of our community. Training is forthcoming to help you navigate these changes effectively.
Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to this important initiative. Let’s work together to make a positive impact!
Best regards,
NEHEMIAH YISRAEL
Director of Procurement
This database is populated with projected purchases of $100,000 and above for the current fiscal year. Not all projected purchases will be made as indicated in the Procurement Forecast.
We strongly advise you to connect with the buyer directly for details and updates.
April 24, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the close of Fiscal Year 2025, the Office of Procurement and Property Control is issuing this important notice regarding procurement deadlines to ensure the timely processing of all goods and services before the fiscal year-end cutoff of June 30, 2025.
Important Deadlines for Year-End Procurement
Deadline Submission Type
April 26, 2025 Formal solicitations (RFPs/IFBs) under $1,000,000 requiring public posting
May 10, 2025 Requisitions over $25,000 and up to $100,000 requiring competitive quotes
May 24, 2025 Requisitions under $25,000
June 6, 2025 Last day for fully approved procurement packages to be processed
June 13, 2025 Sole source procurement requests (must include full justification)
Key Reminders:
-
Complete packages only: We can only process submissions that include a clear scope of work, quotes (as required), estimated costs, and an approved requisition.
-
Emergency purchases: Must include a strong justification and receive executive-level approval before being considered.
-
Looking ahead to FY26: If your department expects major needs early next fiscal year, please submit a forecast spreadsheet by July 15, 2025 to help with early planning.
-
Sole source requests: Make sure the form is fully completed and includes all supporting documentation.
The Office of Procurement is committed to closing out this fiscal year with excellence and accountability. We strongly encourage all departments to stay ahead of the deadlines and reach out early for guidance or support.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please get in touch with your designated procurement liaison or email procurement@morgan.edu
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Nehemiah Yisrael
Executive Director of Procurement
Morgan State University
April 17, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Please note that Samariah Cooper, who has been appointed as "The COOLER"—Customer-Oriented Operations Liaison for Efficient Resolutions, will begin spending scheduled time in the Morgan Business Center (in Room 302) starting the week of May 19, 2025. With her availability, Samariah will serve as an on-site connection between the Procurement Office and departments across campus that are engaged in purchasing activities.
The purpose of this engagement will be fourfold:
1. Establish a Trusted Procurement Presence
Samariah will be a consistent and reliable point of contact for end-users, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure two-way communication between departments and the Procurement Office. Her role is to support your needs, provide guidance, and reinforce our shared procurement objectives.
2. Drive Completion of the FY26 Forecasting Spreadsheet (Due by July)
As mandated by the State, completion of the FY26 Procurement Forecasting Spreadsheet is required by July. Samariah will help all departments understand the purpose and importance of this tool and work together with you to ensure timely and accurate completion. This is a vital step toward improving project planning, budget forecasting, and institutional compliance. This will help identify potential university-wide master contracts that drive economic savings and simplify the procurement process.
3. Facilitate Completion of Department Procurement Profiles
In an effort to improve our understanding of University-wide purchasing patterns, Samariah will collect key procurement data through a Department Procurement Profile Worksheet. This form will ask for information about the types of goods and services your department procures, the frequency of purchases, total annual spend, recurring needs, and any challenges faced in the procurement process. This initiative will support long-term planning and improve customer engagement strategies across all departments.
4. Promote Acquisition Planning and Package Development
Samariah will help drive the need for early acquisition planning and stakeholder engagement, particularly for large-scale and mission-critical projects. She will also provide support in developing requirement packages, including Statements of Work (SOWs) and Performance Work Statements (PWSs) to ensure clarity, completeness, and alignment with procurement best practices.
We appreciate your cooperation and engagement with Samariah as she embarks on this important assignment. Your participation is essential to enhancing Morgan’s procurement operations and ensuring continued success across all departments.
If you have any immediate questions, please feel free to contact the Procurement Office directly. To schedule a meeting with Samariah during her time at the Morgan Business Center, please email her at Samariah.Cooper@morgan.edu.
Sincerely,
Nehemiah Yisrael
Executive Director of Procurement
Morgan State University
Aug 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
As stewards of Morgan State University’s resources, each of us who participates in the procurement of goods and services carries a significant responsibility. This message serves as a formal reminder of the critical commitment required when serving on evaluation committees for contract awards over $100,000.
These high-value procurements—ranging from pouring rights agreements to unarmed guard services, enterprise systems, and other critical University operations—require focused, fair, and timely evaluations. The success of these procurements depends on the integrity and performance of the evaluation committee, whose recommendations directly shape the outcomes of our most essential contracts.
When you are asked to serve as an evaluator, it is because your expertise and professional judgment are valued and needed. This is a working role that demands discipline, objectivity, and accountability. Once the evaluation process begins, it is essential to remain fully engaged to meet the established timelines. If you anticipate challenges with availability due to vacations, competing priorities, or workload, please communicate this before accepting the role so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Evaluation responsibilities include attending kickoff meetings, thoroughly reviewing proposals, completing scoring on schedule, and contributing meaningfully to consensus discussions. Partial participation or delays can jeopardize the procurement process and risk delaying essential services to the University.
The Office of Procurement is committed to supporting all evaluators with clear expectations, tools, and guidance throughout the process. We count on you to fulfill your role with professionalism and dedication, reflecting the values we uphold as a University community.
Above all, remember that every contract we award ultimately benefits Morgan State University students. Whether selecting a vendor that enhances campus safety, improves learning, or enriches campus life, your participation ensures we choose the best partners to serve our students with excellence.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the success of Morgan and the students we serve.
Sincerely,
Nehemiah Yisrael
Executive Director of Procurement
Morgan State University
August 30, 2024
Morgan State University’s Procurement Department shares the following Simplified Procurement Procedures for limits up to $100,000.
$5000
-
When the action does not exceed $5,000, competition is preferred but not required. The preferred method of purchase is using the purchasing card in accordance with policies and procedures.
-
Submission of brief statement to file regarding why the price is determined to be reasonable if not opened to competition.
-
Share the wealth to the max. This means avoiding using the same vendor over and over and making an attempt to identify and utilize other vendors.
$5001 - $25,000
-
Departments will need to complete a Customer Request Form (CREF) - forthcoming.
-
Departments shall obtain three quotes that include the point of contact’s (POC) name, phone number, and email address if they are not already included.
-
Departments to complete a statement of work (SOW) for the requirement.
-
SOW + three Vendor quotes must be submitted to a Procurement Specialist.
-
If other than low price, additional requirements will need to be addressed.
-
Price reasonableness document completed by Procurement Specialist.
-
Award made in a timely fashion.
$25,000 - $100,000
-
Departments to complete Customer Request Form (CREF) - forthcoming.
-
Departments must provide the names of three or more vendors that can execute the requirement.
-
SOW and/or performance work statement (PWS) will need to be submitted
-
DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT TO CONTACT THE VENDORS.
-
Departments shall provide an independent estimate or budgetary amount for the award of the project.
-
A procurement specialist is responsible for executing the project in a timely fashion.
Thank you for your continued support and compliance.
Regards,
Nehemiah Yisrael,
Director of Procurement
December 16, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
This is a crucial reminder that, in accordance with Maryland State Procurement Law and Morgan State University Policy and Procedures, all purchases made on behalf of the university must be formalized with a contract or purchase order. This requirement is essential to ensure compliance with state regulations and to maintain the integrity and transparency of our procurement processes.
Definitions (as per Morgan State University Policy and Procedures):
-
Contract: An agreement entered into by a procurement agency for the acquisition of supplies, services, construction, architectural services, or engineering services. A legally binding agreement between Morgan State University and a vendor, this document details the terms and conditions of the purchase, including the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and payment terms. All contracts must undergo thorough review and receive approval from the appropriate university authorities before any commitments are made.
-
Purchase Order (PO): A document issued by the University authorizing a procurement from a vendor. If issued in acceptance of a bid or proposal, the document is an “acceptance” and forms a contract upon issuance. If issued not in acceptance of a bid or proposal, a contract is formed upon acceptance by the vendor. Acceptance is evidenced by any reasonable manner in light of the circumstances, including prompt shipment, prompt promise to ship, or a definite expression or written confirmation sent by the vendor within a reasonable time. An official document issued by Morgan State University to a vendor, the PO authorizes the purchase of specified goods or services. The PO outlines the items or services being purchased, quantities, prices, and delivery instructions. It is imperative that purchase orders are approved in accordance with university procurement policies before being issued to vendors.
To avoid any potential embarrassment or unwanted scrutiny, it is IMPERATIVE that all procurement activities are conducted with an approved contract or purchase order. This practice ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with both state law and university policies. Failure to adhere to these procedures can result in significant repercussions for both the individual and the University.
We appreciate your cooperation and diligence in adhering to these guidelines. Your efforts help uphold the high standards and reputation of Morgan State University.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Nehemiah Yisrael
Executive Director of Procurement
Morgan State University
Contact Information
Office of Procurement & Purchasing Card
HOEN Building
2101 E. Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
P: 443-885-3074
Office of Property Control (Receiving)
Montebello Complex B02 & B04
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251
P: 443-885-3413
Hours of Operation:
M-F: 8:30am to 4:30pm
F: 443-885-8368
Contact Information
Office of Procurement & Purchasing Card
HOEN Building
2101 E. Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
P: 443-885-3074
Office of Property Control (Receiving)
Montebello Complex B02 & B04
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251
P: 443-885-3413
Hours of Operation:
M-F: 8:30am to 4:30pm
F: 443-885-8368