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Updated Portal User Guide Now Available

The updated Procurement Contract Portal User Guide is now available on our website.  The updated portal maintains a layout similar to the previous version, but at the request of our campus partners, we have introduced several exciting new features that the guide will help you navigate. One significant addition is the searchable Vendor Contact Table, which allows…


Cancelation Clauses – “Be Ye Warned”

Many contracts have cancelation clauses that require the University to pay 100% of the contract amount if your department cancels the contract prior to an event. This is especially true for hotels and catered events. Contract Management tries to negotiate for a lower cancelation penalty, but occasionally, the vendor won’t agree. In those cases, we…


Contract Portal Upgrade

It has been one month since we launched our updated Procurement Contract Portal, and we would like to express our appreciation for your patience as we address the challenges associated with software updates. Here are a few important tips for logging in for the first time: 1. Before logging in, make sure to clear your…


A Contract by Any Other Name is Still a Contract

A contract can be hidden under many document titles like Order Form, Reservation, Subscription, Warranty, Memorandum, and many more. A contract is an agreement between parties that creates an obligation to do or not to do something. So, the name of the document does not matter; it’s the obligations contained within the document that create…


Changes to the PSA and VDS

The Professional Services Agreement (PSA) templates and standalone Vendor Disclosure Statements (VDS) templates have recently been updated. These updates were made in response to the most common questions received from our campus partners and vendors. Both templates now include a cover letter with contact details for both the initiating department and the vendor, and a…


The University of Alabama is changing the contract review process for software purchases!

Beginning April 8, 2024, all compliance-related reviews for software purchases will occur PRIOR to loading any contract documents into the UA Contract Portal. You will no longer complete and submit the Software IT form when you submit a contract for review and execution. This assessment replaces the previous form and will allow for a compliance…


What Type of Document am I Uploading?

One of the most common questions received by Contract Management is, “What kind of document am I uploading?” The Procurement Contract Portal Terminology Guide describes our most utilized document types and will help you create an organized and accurate electronic record. When in doubt, please contact Contract Management at contracts@ua.edu, as we are always available to help.


Adding Additional Vendors to your Contract Record

The Procurement Contract Portal allows up to 3 additional vendors per contract record. Located under the Additional Vendor Details section of the Contract Information tab, simply provide the additional vendor contact name and email address as well as the vendor signer name and email address, and your contract will be routed for additional signatures.  


Professional Development Courses

Payments to individuals who provide professional development often require a Professional Services Agreement due to the specialized skill or licensing required for this position. Payment to these individuals should not be made with the P-Card, instead, it should be made through Concur Invoice.  Additional information on PSAs can be found on the Professional Services Guidelines webpage.


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