Procurement and Payment Services has updated the following HBPs to ensure better understanding and alignment of practice across campus.  The following is a summary of the updates made to the noted HBPs.

For additional information department are invited to contact the Central Purchasing Office at purchasing@austin.utexas.edu for further assistance.

7.7.5 Blanket Purchase Order – primary change is to have a maximum term and total value that will cover all payments that may be issued over the life of the blanket purchase order.

• Blanket purchase orders allow for recurring purchases of a specific service or commodity when the quantity or frequency of delivery cannot be fully determined at the time the purchase order is initiated. 

• Added requirement that all blanket purchase orders must contain verbiage specifying the contract period or length of the purchase order.

• List unit price

• Blanket purchase orders must also list the maximum total value of the purchase order for the entire length of the purchase order. 

• Departments can continue to complete a blanket purchase order with a total value equal to or less than $15,000, provided the total amount paid over the life of the purchase order is equal to or less than $15,000.

• Central Procurement will continue to process blanket purchase orders with a total value greater than $15,000.  Any such request shall require a procurement justification based on guidelines regarding informal bids, formal solicitations, or exclusive acquisition justifications.

7.7.7 Purchases Eligible Through Multiple Procurement Methods – primary change is to clarify requirement that departments follow procurement rules.

• Departments are reminded the goods and services listed in the HBP may be purchased through a purchase order or a contract. 

• The requesting department shall be responsible for ensuring they follow the proper procurement method before purchasing.