U of A Announces New Supplier Programs

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The U of A has finalized contracts for preferred suppliers in several key functions across campus, including office supplies; maintenance, repairs and operations supplies; staffing solutions; waste management services; and uniform rentals.

"Adding these partners to our preferred vendor list makes it easier to obtain high quality and cost-friendly solutions for the services and supplies that university stakeholders need to be most effective," said Ann Bordelon, executive vice chancellor for finance and administration. "I'm excited to onboard this group of suppliers to serve our campus and ultimately help us focus more of our resources on student success, research excellence and being an employer of choice."

Staples Contracted for Office Supplies
Staples agreed to a contract with the U of A to be the preferred provider of office supplies, effective June 15.

Supplies from Staples can be purchased via the Workday punchout enabling an efficient, electronic process for order fulfillment and payment. Staples has recently added multiple layers of account support to ensure success for campus and will be coordinating various trainings and webinars for requisitioner assistance.

Key Suppliers Selected for Facilities, Housing and Athletics
The U of A has refined the existing contract with Grainger to ensure high-volume MRO supplies are competitively priced for the university. The improved pricing and terms went into effect June 6.

The Facilities Management, Housing and Athletics departments are the primary areas to benefit from the Grainger contract. Grainger will provide safety, cleaning and janitorial, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other supplies supporting day-to-day maintenance operations.

The university has also contracted with TEC Staffing Services and ManpowerGroup to provide temporary staffing solutions for custodial, groundskeeping and clerical roles on campus.

Additionally, the university selected a new waste management provider, CARDS Recycling. CARDS, who is a local vendor to Northwest Arkansas, began serving campus July 1.

Cintas Selected as Preferred Uniform Provider
Cintas Corporation signed a contract with the U of A to be the preferred uniform, mats, mop and lab coat rental provider for the university, effective May 30.