OK Corral Supplier Round-Up draws crowd

Friday, November 16, 2018

Oklahoma State University is enhancing its array of suppliers, ensuring more choices at lower costs for its needs.

This was exemplified with the second annual OK Corral Supplier Round-Up, which saw a 40 percent increase in the number of vendors represented. Each vendor had been awarded a contract with the university through a competitive bidding process. The round-up provided an opportunity for university employees of the OSU/A&M system to meet with company representatives and learn firsthand about products and services available.

Joe Teel, with the Department of Purchasing, said the suppliers invited were those under contract who can provide broad services benefiting all campuses across the system.

“The Round-Up provides access to the contracted suppliers,” he said. “The departments, as the end users, can meet the company representatives, build personal relationships, find out about new products offered and better understand the scope of contract available through the central Purchasing office.”

Approximately 500 visitors from campuses across the OSU/A&M system attended this year’s event.

Chief Procurement Officer Scott Schlotthauer said the vendor contracts allow OSU employees to shop with the confidence that they’re receiving quality items at a competitive price.

“There is no need to conduct a competitive bid or gather quotes, as the competitive bid process has already been completed,” he said. “Furthermore, the increased use of contracts adds more spend leverage and negotiation power to get even better values in future bids for consolidated item contracts.”

Visitors to the 2018 event also had the opportunity to win door prizes ranging from Thunder tickets to an ergonomic chair.