Introduction

Regulations

Online Ordering

Commodities and Services

Vendor Fair

Introduction

It is the policy of the University at Albany, SUNY that utilization of preferred sources occur whenever possible. In accordance with State Finance Law and Corrections Law, the University is required to make purchases of commodities and services from preferred sources. Preferred sources must be considered whenever purchases of commodities or services are required.

A Preferred Source is a designated vendor who, in an effort to advance certain social and economic goals, has received special provider status under New York State statute. NYS Correctional Services, Industries for the Blind, Industries for the Disabled and the NYS Office of Mental Health are the current Preferred Sources.

The acquisition of commodities and services from these vendors has been given exemption from statutory competitive procurement guidelines. It is the obligation of each state agency to procure goods and services from a Preferred Source provider whenever possible.

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Regulations

Section 162 of the State Finance Law governs preferred sources and establishes the procedures the University and all other state agencies are to follow with regard to procuring from preferred sources. 

Section 162 lays outs a specific order of preference for the purchase of commodities from the preferred sources. Correctional Services are to be given first preference followed by Industries for the Blind, Industries for the Disabled and Office of Mental Health. If none of the preferred sources meet the form, function and utility the next step would be to search the Office of General Services (OGS) state contracts.

Equal priority is given to each of the preferred sources with regard to the purchase of services.

OGS maintains Preferred Source Guidelines which sets forth the purpose and scope of procuring from the Preferred Sources.

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Online Ordering

The University offers an online ordering system with Industries for the Blind. You need to submit a registration form to access this and all of our online systems. If you are already registered, you can sign on and place orders by clicking IBNYS-Albany site.

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Commodities and Services

OGS maintains a comprehensive listing of commodity and services offered by the Preferred Sources which can be found at Preferred Source Listing.

Below is a brief listing of the commodities and services offered by the Preferred Sources. 

• Commodities

* Apparel and Textiles purchases require adherence to special regulations including sweatshop compliance. For further information, please visit the Apparel page of the Office of Purchasing and Contracts web site.