The university is a public institution subject to the state’s procurement requirements.
For general information about purchasing, visit the Purchasing and Contract Management Office website.
Licensed Vendors
Many vendors are already certified to do business with the university. Within those businesses, some are licensed to use our university logo and marks. Find the internal licensee list, which shows businesses that are approved to produce merchandise paid for by university funds, and the Illinois retail licensee list, which shows businesses that produce merchandise for both university or personal use. Products using trademarks for personal use may be subject to additional royalties.
Purchasing Thresholds
$10,000 or lower
You are required to receive one quote from a certified vendor and then you can proceed with purchase.
$10,001 to $99,999
You are required to receive three quotes from certified vendors. You may contact the vendors directly to request a quote, timeline and info about the project. You then choose the vendor with the lowest price or choose the vendor who provides the best value, in terms of quality, timelines, service level, etc.
$100,000 or higher
You are required to receive three quotes from three certified vendors who have been identified in a prequalified pool of vendors by category. You may contact the vendors directly to request a quote, timeline and info about the project. You then choose the vendor with the lowest price or who provides the best value.
Approved Vendors
For communications and marketing needs, the university has identified prequalified vendors in two categories:
Creative services for marketing and promotion list
The creative services spreadsheet in Box includes 24 vendors who have been awarded at least one of the following 13 categories:
- Marketing and Promotional Graphic Design
- Audio/Video Production, Animation and Digital Design
- Print Design
- Conception and Art Direction
- Branding
- Market Research
- Copywriting
- Photography
- Public Relations
- Website/App Design and Development
- Social Media Strategy
- SEO
- Consulting Services
Promotional products list
The promotional products spreadsheet in Box includes six vendors who have been awarded in this category, which includes items like brochures, publications, cups, pens, etc.
Other Needs
If you have a need that does not fall into one of the categories above, or if you would like more information from the university marketing and communications community about which vendors individuals or units have used for specific projects, you can email the Campus Communications Council listserv.
Vendor Training
StratCom can provide onboarding and brand training to external vendors through the Brand Experts program. To add a student or vendor to the system, email branding@illinois.edu. If it’s a vendor, please add the vendor’s name, email, company name and the types of projects the vendor works on.
Questions?
Purchasing rules can be confusing. If you have questions or need more information, please contact your unit budget officer or access the Purchasing and Contract Management Office web form. The office also maintains a list of frequently asked questions on their website.