Types of Purchases
All IT purchases are considered a commodity purchase or a project purchase:
- Commodity purchases include software and hardware that is commonly-used on campus such as Apple/Windows desktops and laptops, tablets, monitors, keyboards, mice, docking stations, personal productivity software, etc.
- Project purchases include software and hardware that is for a specialized departmental, research or work group usage. Typically these are one-time purchases to fill a specific need.
Making a Commodity Purchase
To make a commodity purchase, you may do so with your department’s approval through the following methods:
- Windows Software Center: Access from the Windows Start Menu on University-owned Windows devices.
- Apple Software: Self-service app on University-managed Apple desktops and laptops.
- Purchase Request Form: Purchase laptops, desktops and tablets.
Making a Project Purchase
If your IT purchase falls into the project category, you will need to use the Purchase Request Form to get started.
- Fill out the Purchase Request Form and choose the Other, or ask a question option under the I would like to purchase… section.
- The request is then reviewed by a team of purchasing, information security and IT specialists. These specialists will review the request from a variety of angles and then approve, deny or request more information for the procurement.
Additional Information
- If you have questions, please review the IT Purchasing FAQ before submitting the form.
- If the hardware/software falls into the project purchase category, you must follow the above process, even if there is no cost.
- If you do not have all the details needed but know you will be making a purchase, please fill out the Purchase Request Form.
- The duration of the purchasing process depends on the complexity of the item being purchased, the response time of the vendor, and is subject to the rules and timelines of the UWM Procurement Office.
- Simple requests can take a few weeks to finalize and complex requests that involve multiple campus areas can take up a few months to complete.
- UWM faculty and staff can purchase Apple and Dell products for personal use through UWM’s education price programs with both Apple and Dell. All departmental purchases must use the Purchase Request Form.