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Office of Business Affairs
Preferred Source Vendors

Introduction

It is the policy of SUNY ESF 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, and the Industries for the Disabled 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.

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 Guidelineswhich sets forth the purpose and scope of procuring from the Preferred Sources.

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 *
  • Classroom/Educational Furniture
  • Custom Ordered Products/Services
  • Film
  • Flags
  • Food & Beverages
  • Institutional Furniture
  • Janitorial & Housekeeping Supplies
  • Medical and Institutional Care Items
  • Miscellaneous
  • Office & Classroom Supplies
  • Office Furniture
  • Personal Care Products
  • Safety Supplies and Equipment
  • Signage
  • Tables
  • Textiles *

* Apparel and Textiles purchases require adherence to special regulations including sweatshop compliance. For further information, please contact the Purchasing Office.

Services

  • Maintenance Janitorial
  • Messenger Services
  • Resource Management
  • Secure Document Destruction
  • Temporary Personnel
  • Transcription
  • Typewriter Repair Services
  • Warehousing/Distribution