How to Buy Goods and Services | Research Accounting

PI's should refer to funding agreements and approved budgets for direction on spending. York University's policy and procedure on the Procurement of Goods and Services apply to all acquisitions against internal (Fund 400) and external (Fund 500) funds. The procurement method is dependent on the overall dollar value of the purchase.

Sm@rtBuy is York University's online marketplace that provides users with a one-stop-shop to save time and money when making purchases. Our Sm@rtBuy vendors provide a wide range of goods and services and offer competitive pricing and discounts to our community members.

Sm@rtBuy Resources:

The appropriate purchasing channel will depend on the value of the purchase, the type of vendor and the availability of a PCard. Purchasing channels are designed to make it as easy as possible to purchase goods while managing risk and meeting our legal and compliance requirements.

A complete list of purchasing channels is available on the Strategic Procurement Services website.

The appropriate purchasing channel for purchasing a service will depend on the value of the purchase, the type of service provider and the availability of a PCard. Purchasing channels are designed to make it as easy as possible to purchase services while managing risk and meeting our legal and compliance requirements. A complete list of purchasing channels is available on the Strategic Procurement Services website.

Please note, where services are being provided by an individual (that is self-employed, a sole proprietor, operating through an incorporated entity or other) an Independent Contractor Questionnaire (ICQ) must be completed, signed by the independent contractor and approved by Accounts Payable for each new engagement.

For more information about the requirement to complete an ICQ please refer to the Employee/Employer vs. Independent Contractor Guideline.

Have more questions about purchasing?

Strategic Procurement Services strives to provide efficient and effective services that support departments and units procure the goods and services they need.

Learn more about Purchasing