Sourcing is the process of finding and securing the best suppliers to deliver the right products or services at the best total value, while ensuring alignment with CSCU policy and SCSU procedures.
State Contracts
SCSU can leverage state contracts to streamline purchasing, ensure competitive pricing, and maintain compliance with Connecticut procurement regulations. These contracts are pre-negotiated agreements with approved vendors for commonly used goods and services.
For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services – State Contracts to search available contracts and review vendor details.
Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs)
Southern Connecticut State University leverages a variety of cooperative purchasing organizations to support strategic sourcing, ensure compliance, and achieve best value.
Higher Education–Focused Cooperatives
- E&I Cooperative Services
- Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)
National and Multi-Sector Cooperatives
- OMNIA Partners
- Sourcewell (formerly NJPA)
- NASPO ValuePoint
- Equalis Group
Procurement Services remains open to joining additional GPOs as needed to support institutional priorities. Please contact Procurement@SouthernCT.edu with any requests.
Multi-Vendor Contract Use
The Multi-Vendor Contract Use Checklist serves the purpose of ensuring that requestors are properly considering multiple vendors.
- Please download the SCSU Multi-Vendor Contract Use Checklist PDF
- Make sure to fill out the areas that include an asterisk *
- Wherever there is a bubble, please place a check mark into the correct option of choice
- Do not fill out Section 3
- Attach completed form to your purchase requisition and submit it to the Purchasing Department
Sole-Source Justification
A Sole Source Justification is a procurement document that demonstrates that only one vendor is capable of providing the required goods or services that meet the organization’s specific needs, and that competitive solicitation is not feasible or practical.
Good Faith Effort Codes
| Good Faith Effort Code | Definition | Example |
| Good Faith Effort Code 1: Multi-vendor contract, SBE/MBE contacted | Used a multi-vendor contract and include certified SBE/MBE vendors in the quote or sourcing. | SCSU is purchasing office furniture from a DAS multi-vendor contract or Cooperative Agreement. Three contract vendors, including two certified SBE/MBE suppliers, are invited to provide quotes. An award is made to the vendor offering the best value. |
| Good Faith Effort Code 2: Multi-vendor contract, no SBE/MBE available | No certified SBE/MBE vendor is available on the contract. | SCSU needs specialized laboratory equipment available through a DAS multi-vendor contract or a Cooperative Agreement. Procurement reviews all vendors on the contract and determines no certified SBE/MBE suppliers offer the required equipment. |
| Good Faith Effort Code 3: Non-Competitive, SBE/MBE contacted | Non-competitive purchase, certified SBE/MBE vendors were identified, and contacted for a quote | SCSU needs audio-visual equipment that is not available on a DAS contract. Procurement uses GL71 authority and obtains quotes from three vendors, including a certified SBE/MBE vendor identified through the state supplier directory. |
| Good Faith Effort Code 4: Non-Competitive, no SBE/MBE available | Non-competitive purchase and no certified SBE/MBE vendor was identified as available | SCSU needs a highly specialized scientific instrument. Procurement researches certified SBE/MBE suppliers and finds none that provide the required product. |
| Good Faith Effort Code 5: Non-Competitive, no opportunity | Non-competitive purchase and quotes were not requested because no sourcing opportunity was created | SCSU needs a specialized replacement part costing $8,500. Under the applicable GL71 purchasing authority, the purchase is below the competitive solicitation threshold ($25,000) and no quote or sourcing event is created. |
| Good Faith Effort Code 6: Single-vendor contract, no opportunity | Single-vendor contracts or purchases with no competitive sourcing opportunity. | SCSU purchases software licenses through a statewide single-vendor contract awarded exclusively to one supplier. |
| Good Faith Effort Code 7: Sourcing, SBE/MBE contacted, no response | SBE/MBE vendors were solicited, but no response was received. | Procurement issues a solicitation for consulting services and invites several certified SBE/MBE firms to participate. None of the invited SBE/MBE vendors submit a bid or proposal before the deadline. |