IT Procurement changes to streamline operations and customer service

From: Division of Information Technology and Division of Finance

After a thorough assessment of its software procurement process as part of the IT Transformation program, Virginia Tech is taking measures to streamline software procurement activities, expedite acquisitions, and enhance the customer experience.

Effective Oct. 1, the procurement and contract management functions of Information Technology Procurement and Licensing Solutions (ITPALS) will be realigned within Virginia Tech Procurement (VT Procurement) in the Division of Finance.

Under the new operating model, the process for technology-related purchases will be directly aligned with current purchasing processes used for acquisition of all other goods and services at the university (initiated by requisition and advanced through HokieMart).

This unified approach will enable a “one-stop” procurement experience for university departments, with enhanced transparency, improved communication, and a more consistent customer experience while maintaining technical reviews to ensure the safety of university data.  

The student and university software sales and licensing functions of ITPALS (otherwise known as the Software Service Center) will remain within the Division of IT.

The “Low Risk/Low-Cost” IT software acquisition process launched last September will remain unchanged for all qualifying purchases under $10,000.

Additional information about these changes will be shared in the coming weeks through university communications and in town hall(s) that VT Procurement will be offering in September.

Please contact procurement@vt.edu with any questions.