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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.

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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:

Steps to Take Before Requesting Quotes:

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

Maryland Procurement Forecasting

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.

FY25 Procurement Year-End Cutoff Deadlines and Final Submissions

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:

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

Scheduling Your Meeting With "The COOLER"

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:



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.

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.

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.

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

The Crucial Role of Serving on Procurement Evaluation Committees

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

Simplified Procurement Procedures for Amounts Under $100K

August 30, 2024

Morgan State University’s Procurement Department shares the following Simplified Procurement Procedures for limits up to $100,000.

 

 

$5000

 

 

 

$5001 - $25,000

 

 

 

$25,000 - $100,000

 

 

 

Thank you for your continued support and compliance.

 

Regards,

 

Nehemiah Yisrael,

Director of Procurement

Definitions - Contracts Vs. Purchase Orders (POs)

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):

 

 

 

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