Procurement Services

The Procurement Services Department is responsible for the overall procurement activities to ensure the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) obtains commodities, equipment and services utilizing best business practices consistent with Arkansas Purchasing Law, Arkansas Accounting and Budgetary Policies and State Building Services Regulations. Services include but are not limited to:

1. Sourcing orders from the appropriate vendors for the desired quality of goods and services at the lowest available price.
2. Issuance of all purchase orders and Invitations for Bid documents on behalf of UAMS.
3. Expediting orders for delivery within the terms of the existing contracts.
4. Tracking vendor performance relative to delivery, pricing, service and quality of goods and to identify non-responsive, non-responsible vendors.
5. Assisting departments in preparing specifications designed to ensure proper functionality and product quality, based on current marketplace analysis, lead time requirements and product alternatives.

Implementation of the DBS Materiels Management system began February 22, 1994. Prior to this date the Procurement Services Department processed all purchasing activities manually. The implementation of this software has greatly enhanced the department's ability to provide more efficient service to the Campus and to provide historical data to build the foundation for Campus wide contracts which will provide cost savings and more efficient services.

In February 1995, the department reorganized into a "Team Concept." There are three teams divided by departments to provide more customized services to meet the unique requirements of the users. The teams work closely with the departments in their procurement activities sharing their expertise thus allowing the user's staff more time to devote to their non-procurement duties. The reorganization is focused towards saving departments' dollars and staff time. The team concept has improved the department's productivity as well as the service levels to the users.

Continued growth of UAMS dictates the continuing implementation of new technologies and continual reorganization to improve the performance levels of Procurement Services for the institution.

Betty Foster
Director
Procurement Services