Preferred Sources

From SUNY Procedure 7553: Purchasing and Contracting (Procurement)

Purchases from Preferred Sources take precedence over all other sources of supply and competitive procurement methods.  Pricing has been approved by the NYS Office of General Services (OGS) and therefore competitive bidding requirements are waived, saving you time and effort.

"It is the declared policy of the University that utilization of preferred sources (Corcraft, New York State Preferred Source Program for People Who are Blind, New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) occur whenever possible. In accordance with the provisions of the NYS Finance Law §162 and NYS State Corrections Law §184, preferred sources must be considered whenever purchases of commodities or services are required.  Form, function and utility requirements may be considered.  Where a preferred source is to be used for the provision of commodities or services, no competitive selection process or publication in the Contract Reporter is required.  In the event a preferred source is to be rejected, that source must be given prior written notice with an explanation and an opportunity to respond.”

• Form: Color, shape, configuration, etc.
• Function: Purpose, ability to work in a specific way, etc.
• Utility: Usefulness, availability, function, etc.

Per OGS, “To apply the form, function, and utility standard, the agency should define the commodity in terms of the minimum essential requirements which will meet its needs. Every effort should be made to purchase from the preferred source so long as the item meets the agency’s needs. Requirements may include quality, quantity, delivery, packaging, performance standards and compatibility, among others. Requirements should not be inflated or overstated to eliminate preferred source suppliers; nor, should the purchasing agency acquire a preferred source product which is materially unsuited to the needs of the agency.”

OGS Preferred Source Guidelines

OGS has posted a list of all commodities and services available by preferred sources. 

The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office is here to help. Please contact Jacob Irving at 607-753-2582 with any questions or for Preferred Sources' contact information.