The PSC is dedicated to providing timely procurement services to the campuses while building strong supplier relationships. Using the correct commodity codes ensures requisitions are routed to the appropriate purchasing agent, speeding up processing and helping us monitor university spending for better discounts and other cost savings. Selecting the right commodity code when creating a requisition also streamlines the approval process from requisition to issuance of your purchase order.
1. Advertising, Marketing & Print Services
1.01 Ad Placement Services
The selection, scheduling, and management of advertisements across various media platforms to reach a targeted audience effectively. These services typically include choosing the appropriate channels (such as websites, social media, television, print, or radio), determining the optimal timing and frequency of ads, and ensuring that the ads are displayed to the right audience segments to maximize engagement, visibility, and return on investment.
How-to-Buy Ad Placement Services
1.02 Graphics and Print Services
Standardized, scalable printing solutions tailored to meet the university’s needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
How-to-Buy Graphics and Print Services
1.03 Marketing & Advertising
Broad category of services and goods that organizations purchase to promote their products, services, or brand identity.
How-to-Buy Marketing and Advertising
1.04 Promotional Items
Tangible goods that are branded with CU’s logo, name, slogan, or message. These items can include but are not limited to T-shirts, hats, water bottles, mugs, keychains, lanyards, pens, notepads, stationary items, tote bags etc.
1.05 Video Production Services
Creating, editing, and delivering of video content that aligns with the university's branding and communication goals. This can include promotional videos, event coverage, educational materials, and departmental messaging. Services typically include pre-production planning, filming, post-production editing, sound design, and final distribution.
2. Athletics & Apparel
2.01 Apparel
Work-related clothing for employees such as uniforms and boots required for specific job functions. This includes items like jackets, shirts, pants, and protective footwear that align with the university’s standards for employee safety, branding, and professionalism.
2.02 Athletics Equipment & Supplies
Goods related to the university's sports programs and physical activities. This includes equipment like uniforms, protective gear, sports balls, fitness machines, and training tools, as well as general athletic supplies for both competitive sports programs at CU.
How-to-Buy Athletics Equipment and Supplies
2.03 Athletic Team Travel
All logistics and services required to transport university sports teams to and from competitions, training camps, and events.
How-to-Buy Athletic Team Travel
2.04 Recreational Sports Equipment & Supplies
All goods and materials used by the university community—students, faculty, and staff—for engaging in non-professional, leisure, and amateur sports and physical activities.
3. Benefits & Insurance
3.01 Benefits & Insurance
Employee benefits programs and insurance coverage that support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of university faculty, staff, and, in some cases, students.
4. Books, Subscriptions & Library Services
4.01 Books & Library Materials
Acquisition of various resources that support academic research, learning, and teaching.
How-to-Buy Books and Library Materials
4.02 Library Online Subscriptions to Databases
A variety of academic and research databases for students, faculty, and staff. It includes scholarly articles, journals, e-books, and multimedia across disciplines.
5. Construction Materials & Services
5.01 Construction Materials & Services
Products, resources, and professional services used for the planning, building, renovation, and maintenance of campus facilities and infrastructure. This commodity is essential for the construction and upkeep of academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, research labs, and other structures on campus.
6. Facilities Related Supplies, Materials & Services
6.01 Carpenter Equipment & Supplies
Tools, machinery, materials, and other resources used by carpenters in their trade.
How-to-Buy Carpenter Equipment and Supplies
6.02 Cleaning Services & Supplies
Products and services involved in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and orderliness in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
How-to-Buy Cleaning Services and Supplies
6.03 Electrical Equipment & Supplies
Various tools, devices, materials, and components used in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of electrical systems.
How-to-Buy Electrical Equipment and Supplies
6.04 EH&S Equipment & Supplies
Tools, materials, and resources used in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) management.
How-to-Buy EH&S Equipment and Supplies
6.05 Facilities Equipment Service & Maintenance
Range of services, tools, and supplies involved in the upkeep, repair, and management of building systems, equipment, and infrastructure within commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.
How-to-Buy Facilities Equipment Service and Maintenance
6.06 Facilities Related Supplies & Materials
Various consumables, materials, and products used in the operation, upkeep, and management of buildings and facilities.
How-to-Buy Facilities Related Supplies and Materials
6.07 Grounds Equipment & Supplies
Tools, machinery, materials, and other resources used for the maintenance, landscaping, and care of outdoor areas surrounding buildings and facilities.
How-to-Buy Grounds Equipment and Supplies
6.08 HVAC Equipment & Supplies
Tools, machinery, components, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
How-to-Buy HVAC Equipment and Supplies
6.09 Paint & Lock Shop Equipment & Supplies
Tools, materials, and products used by professionals working in paint and lock shops, which typically involve services related to painting, surface treatment, and lock installation or repair.
How-to-Buy Paint and Lock Shop Equipment and Supplies
6.10 Plumbing Equipment & Supplies
Tools, materials, components, and fixtures used in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems.
How-to-Buy Plumbing Equipment and Supplies
6.11 Waste Disposal
Processes, equipment, and services involved in the collection, management, treatment, and final disposal of waste materials.
7. Auxiliary Services
7.01 Dining Equipment, Supplies & Services
Range of products and services essential for the operation and management of university dining facilities.
How-to-Buy Dining Equipment Supplies and Services
7.02 Dining Food & Beverage - COGS
Direct costs incurred in preparing and serving meals and beverages on campus.
How-to-Buy Dining Food and Beverage COGS
7.03 Dining Resale Items
Food and beverage products sold directly to students, faculty, and staff within university dining facilities. These items are typically pre-packaged or prepared for immediate consumption.
How-to-Buy Dining Resale Items
7.04 Housing Equipment, Supplies & Services
Products, equipment, and services essential to the operation, maintenance, and furnishing of university dormitories and other residential facilities.
How-to-Buy Housing Equipment Supplies and Services
7.05 Laundry Equipment, Supplies & Services
Purchase, installation, maintenance, and servicing of laundry equipment, as well as the supplies needed for the operation of laundry facilities within university housing and other auxiliary service areas. It covers both commercial-grade washers and dryers, along with associated supplies like detergents, fabric softeners, and vending machines for laundry products.
How-to-Buy Laundry Equipment Supplies and Services
7.06 Linens
Linens used across university facilities, including residence halls, healthcare clinics, and dining services. It covers items such as bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, and table linens.
7.07 Parking Equipment, Supplies & Services
Procurement and management of equipment, supplies, and services necessary for the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of university parking facilities.
8. Furniture
8.01 Classroom Furniture
Various types of furniture specifically designed and used in educational environments, such as schools, colleges, and training centers. This category encompasses a range of items intended to support both students and teachers in a functional and comfortable learning setting.
How-to-Buy Classroom Furniture
8.02 Dormitory Furniture
Furniture specifically designed and provided for student housing facilities on campus.
How-to-Buy Dormitory Furniture
8.03 Laboratory Furniture
Specialized furniture used in various research, teaching, and instructional laboratories across the university.
How-to-Buy Laboratory Furniture
8.04 Office & Common Area Furniture
Furniture used in workplace settings, including offices, lobbies, break rooms, and other shared spaces within the university. This category includes a wide range of items designed to support productivity, comfort, and collaboration, as well as to create welcoming and functional common areas.
How-to-Buy Office and Common Area Furniture
8.05 Outdoor Furniture
Furniture specifically designed and used in the university's outdoor spaces, such as courtyards, patios, gardens, and recreational areas. This furniture is built to withstand various weather conditions while providing comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
9. Merchandise for Resale
9.01 Merchandise for Resale
Variety of products sold by the university to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This category includes items that reflect the university's brand, spirit, and community engagement, enhancing the campus experience while generating revenue.
10. Police, Security Services & Equipment
10.01 Law Enforcement / Security Supplies, Services & Equipment
Tools, materials, and professional services used to support campus safety, security operations, and law enforcement activities.
How-to-Buy Law Enforcement Security Supplies Services and Equipment
10.02 Public Safety & Control
Systems, resources, and services used to ensure the safety, security, and orderly conduct of the campus community, including students, staff, faculty, and visitors. This commodity encompasses a range of equipment, services, and protocols designed to prevent, respond to, and manage emergencies, hazards, and day-to-day safety concerns.
How-to-Buy Public Safety and Control
10.03 Security Surveillance & Detection
Technologies, equipment, and systems used to monitor, detect, and respond to security threats on campus. This commodity is essential for safeguarding university facilities, people, and assets by preventing and responding to unauthorized activities, breaches, or other security concerns.
11. Office / Classroom Supplies & Equipment
11.01 Accessibility Equipment & Supplies
Specialized tools, devices, and resources designed to ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including those with disabilities or mobility challenges, have equal access to the university’s facilities, services, and programs.
How-to-Buy Accessibility Equipment and Supplies
11.02 Classroom Supplies & Equipment
Various materials, tools, and devices used to facilitate teaching, learning, and classroom management across the university's educational settings. This category includes a wide range of items that support instructional activities, enhance the learning environment, and meet the needs of both instructors and students.
How-to-Buy Classroom Supplies and Equipment
11.03 Copier / Managed Print Services
Comprehensive solutions provided for the management, operation, and maintenance of copiers, printers, and related devices across the university.
How-to-Buy Copier Managed Print Services
11.04 Office Supplies & Equipment
Essential materials, tools, and devices used to support the administrative, clerical, and operational functions of university offices. These items are necessary for day-to-day tasks, ensuring that staff, faculty, and students can efficiently manage their work in a professional environment.
12. Official Function
12.01 Food & Beverage
Catering services and food-related products for university-sponsored events, meetings, and functions. This commodity encompasses the sourcing, selection, and management of food and beverage services tailored to the needs of official university gatherings, including conferences, receptions, banquets, and other special occasions.
12.02 Event Space / Hotel Rental
Rental spaces within hotels or similar venues specifically designated for hosting official university events and functions. This commodity involves the selection, booking, and management of venues that accommodate various activities, such as conferences, meetings, receptions, and other formal gatherings organized by the university.
How-to-Buy Event Space Hotel Rental
12.03 Event Supplies, Services & Rentals
Various materials, services, and equipment necessary for the successful execution of university-sponsored events. This commodity encompasses a wide range of items and services, including but not limited to decorations, furniture, audio-visual equipment, catering supplies, and logistical support.
How-to-Buy Event Supplies Services and Rentals
12.04 Official Function - Other
Services, supplies, or arrangements that support various university-sponsored events and activities that do not fall into standard categories such as conferences, meetings, or receptions. This commodity encompasses unique or specialized functions that require tailored resources and planning.
13. Professional Services & Training
13.01 Artists, Speakers & Performers
Individuals or groups contracted by the university to provide specialized services in the form of artistic performances, speaking engagements, or other live presentations.
How-to-Buy Artists Speakers and Performers
13.02 Consulting Services
Contracting with external experts or consulting firms to provide specialized advice, expertise, and solutions that address specific needs and challenges faced by the university. These services support various functions and strategic initiatives across the institution, including management, financial planning, technology, human resources, and academic development.
How-to-Buy Consulting Services
13.03 International Student Recruitment & Study Abroad
Services and solutions aimed at attracting and supporting international students in their educational journey at the university, as well as facilitating study abroad opportunities for domestic students.
How-to-Buy International Student Recruitment and Study Abroad
13.04 Legal Services
Specialized legal support provided by third-party law firms or independent legal professionals who are not part of an organization’s internal legal team.
13.05 Medical & Physician Services
Healthcare services provided by qualified medical professionals, including physicians, specialists, and healthcare practitioners, to support the health and well-being of the university community.
How-to-Buy Medical and Physician Services
13.06 Employee Recruitment Services & Search Firms
Specialized services provided by external agencies that assist universities in sourcing, attracting, and hiring qualified candidates for various positions within the institution.
How-to-Buy Employee Recruitment Services and Search Firms
13.07 Temporary Employment Services
Provision of short-term staffing solutions by external agencies or service providers to meet the temporary labor needs of a university.
How-to-Buy Temporary Employment Services
13.08 Training, Development & Professional Coaching
Structured programs and services designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of university staff involved in procurement activities. This commodity encompasses a range of educational offerings, including workshops, seminars, online courses, and one-on-one coaching sessions, tailored specifically for the procurement function within the university context.
How-to-Buy Training Development and Professional Coaching
13.09 Transcription, Translation & Other ADA Services
Services that support accessibility and communication for individuals with disabilities, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This commodity encompasses a range of specialized services, including transcription of spoken content, translation of written materials, and other accommodations designed to enhance access and participation in university programs and activities.
How-to-Buy Transcription Translation and Other ADA Services
13.10 Professional Services - Other
Specialized services provided by professionals that do not fit neatly into predefined categories such as consulting, legal, or medical services. This commodity encompasses a wide range of expert services that support various university functions and initiatives, often tailored to specific needs or projects.
14. Real Estate
14.01 Real Estate
Acquisition, management, and leasing of physical properties and spaces owned or utilized by the university.
15. Scientific / Laboratory / Medical Equipment & Supplies
15.01 Aerospace
To advance our understanding of space and the Earth's atmosphere through cutting-edge research and space exploration missions, including Research Areas, Space Missions, Education and Outreach, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration.
15.02 Animals
Animals for various research, educational, and medical purposes, including biomedical research, education and training, and ethological studies.
15.03 Animal Supplies, Equipment & Services
Supplies and equipment to support research on animal populations.
How-to-Buy Animal Supplies Equipment and Services
15.04 Chemicals & Reagents
Substances used in laboratory experiments and research protocols. These substances include a wide range of compounds, elements, and preparations essential for conducting experiments, tests, and analyses.
How-to-Buy Chemicals and Reagents
15.05 Dental Supplies & Equipment
Specialized tools, instruments, materials, and devices used in the practice of dentistry. This category encompasses a wide range of products essential for dental procedures, diagnostics, patient care, and laboratory work.
How-to-Buy Dental Supplies and Equipment
15.06 Gases
Industrial, specialty, medical, laboratory, fuel, and electronic types of gases.
15.07 Medical Supplies & Equipment
Equipment used in healthcare settings to diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions.
How-to-Buy Medical Supplies and Equipment
15.08 Medications & Pharmaceuticals
Curated selection of drugs, compounds, and therapeutic agents used in the research, education, and clinical practice of medical and dental sciences.
How-to-Buy Medications and Pharmaceuticals
15.09 Research Related Services
Scientific research-related services, including but not limited to, pharmatech, and services related to DNA-modified organisms.
How-to-Buy Research Related Services
15.10 Scientific / Laboratory Equipment & Supplies
Equipment and supplies used in scientific research, testing, and experimentation.
How-to-Buy Scientific Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
15.11 Scientific & Medical Equipment Maintenance & Repair
Scientific laboratory equipment used in scientific research, testing, and experimentation often will have a service contract to provide maintenance or repair to the equipment. Service agreements for purchased equipment from a manufacturer are contracts that outline the terms and conditions under which the manufacturer will provide maintenance, repair, and support services for the equipment.
How-to-Buy Scientific and Medical Equipment Maintenance and Repair
15.12 Scientific Equipment Rental
Temporary leasing of specialized instruments and devices used in scientific research, analysis, and testing. This service allows institutions, researchers, and laboratories to access high-quality, often expensive, equipment without the need for a large capital investment.
16. Storage, Moving & Mailing Services
16.01 International Shipment Services
Logistics and transportation services used to send and receive goods across international borders.
How-to-Buy International Shipment Services
16.02 Mailing, Freight & Postage Services
Systems, processes, and services that facilitate the shipping, receiving, and distribution of mail, packages, and other materials for university departments, faculty, staff, and students.
How-to-Buy Mailing Freight and Postage Services
16.03 Record Storage and Shredding
Management, safekeeping, and secure disposal of physical and digital records.
How-to-Buy Record Storage and Shredding
16.04 Storage & Moving Services
Professional commercial, household goods, and campus lab relocation services for university staff, assisting with in-state and out-of-state moves. Services may cover packing, transporting household goods, lab equipment, and temporary storage, ensuring a smooth transition for new or relocating staff members, as well as lab setups.
17. Subrecipient (Subaward/Subcontract)
17.01 Subrecipient (Subaward/Subcontract)
Agreements where a university provides funding or resources to another organization (the subrecipient) to carry out a portion of a project or program funded by a grant or contract.
18. Telecommunications / AV
18.01 Audio Visual Equipment & Services
Hardware and software items used in classrooms and meeting rooms used to create, deliver or display both sound and visual content. Some examples can include conferencing phones and systems, webcams, displays and screens, interactive whiteboards, microphones and speakers.
How-to-Buy Audio Visual Equipment and Services
18.02 Cellular Phones & Accessories
Mobile or portable phones, also known as cell phones, and the related services required to access wireless phone networks.
How-to-Buy Cellular Phones and Accessories
18.03 Network Infrastructure
Hardware and software resources that enable the connectivity, communication, operations, and management for the university’s enterprise networks.
How-to-Buy Network Infrastructure
18.04 Telecommunications Services, Equipment, & Supplies
Services for the transmission of data, voice and video over any distance, as well as the hardware required to facilitate that communication.
How-to-Buy Telecommunications Services Equipment and Supplies
19. Travel
19.01 Charter Services
Arrangement of transportation services for groups, typically using buses or other vehicles, to facilitate travel for university-related activities.
19.02 Non-Employee Travel & Training
Arrangements and funding for travel and training expenses incurred by individuals who are not university employees, such as guests, speakers, consultants, or collaborators.
How-to-Buy Non Employee Travel and Training
19.03 Student Travel
Arrangements and funding for transportation and accommodations for students participating in university-sponsored activities.
20. Vehicles & Equipment / Transportation
20.01 Registered Vehicles & Equipment
Acquisition and management of vehicles and equipment that are officially registered and used for university purposes.
How-to-Buy Registered Vehicles and Equipment
20.02 Non-Registered Vehicles & Equipment
Equipment that is not officially registered with government agencies but is essential for university operations.
How-to-Buy Non Registered Vehicles and Equipment
20.03 Vehicle Maintenance
Services and supplies necessary to keep the university’s fleet of vehicles in safe, efficient, and operational condition.
21. IT Professional Services
21.01 IT Consulting & Developers
Design, development, web design, application, implementation, support, and management of computer-based information systems directly related to the tasks in a specific Scope of Work.
How-to-Buy IT Consulting and Developers
21.02 IT Staff Augmentation
Temporary labor staffing services, usually to supplement existing IT teams with external talent to meet specific project needs or fill resource or skill gaps.
How-to-Buy IT Staff Augmentation
21.03 IT Services - Other
Set of activities, processes, and offerings provided by an organization to support and manage information technology (IT) systems.
22. IT Hardware & Maintenance
22.01 Computer Data Storage Management Systems
Technologies and processes used to manage data storage resources, ensuring that data is stored efficiently, securely and is easily accessible when needed.
How-to-Buy Computer Data Storage Management Systems
22.02 Computer Equipment & Accessories
Laptops, tablets, desktop computers, servers, storage, network equipment, connected peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headset, monitors and docking stations.
How-to-Buy Computer Equipment and Accessories
22.03 IT Hardware & Maintenance - Other
Proactive and reactive measures and products aimed at ensuring the continuous operation and longevity of hardware components.
23. IT Software & Maintenance
23.01 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software
The evolving technology of artificial intelligence (AI). AI includes software and applications that simulate human intelligence processes. These processes include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding.
How-to-Buy Artificial Intelligence AI Software
23.02 Business Intelligence & Data Analysis Software
Software tools and applications that help the university to collect, process, analyze, and visualize data to make informed business decisions. This type of software includes functions such as data collection and integration, data analysis and visualization, reporting and decision support.
How-to-Buy Business Intelligence and Data Analysis Software
23.03 Cloud Computing Software & Services
Software and services delivered over the internet, commonly known as “the cloud”. Popular examples include storage and database services, access to virtual or physical servers, networking capabilities (VPNs and CDNs), and software platforms delivered over the internet.
How-to-Buy Cloud Computing Software and Services
23.04 Computer Game / Entertainment Software
Software designed to provide a virtual environment where players can interact with the game using various input devices like a keyboard, mouse, joystick, or controller.
How-to-Buy Computer Game Entertainment Software
23.05 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Technology and expertise to help departments manage interactions with faculty, staff, students, potential students, alumni, donors, and more.
How-to-Buy Customer Relationship Management CRM Software
23.06 Educational Software
Software used for the facilitation of teaching and learning. Examples include Learning Management Systems (LMS), E-learning Software, Classroom management, and software used for tutoring, proctoring, and assessment.
How-to-Buy Educational Software
23.07 Enterprise Resource Planning ERP Software
Software meant to manage business processes by integrating and automating core business processes to improve efficiency, manage resources, and streamline operations.
How-to-Buy Enterprise Resource Planning ERP Software
23.08 IT Software Maintenance & Support
General software maintenance and support (updates, technical support, etc.) which is often used to control or manage other systems or pieces of hardware within the IT networks across campuses.
How-to-Buy IT Software Maintenance and Support
23.09 Medical Software
Medical software covers a broad range of software applications designed to assist healthcare professionals and patients in managing, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring health conditions.
23.10 Network Management Software
Network management software refers to tools and applications designed to monitor, manage, and maintain computer networks.
How-to-Buy Network Management Software
23.11 Office / Business Operations Software
Software solutions which typically provide applications and tools designed to help the university manage and streamline day-to-day activities and processes.
How-to-Buy Office Business Operations Software
23.12 Point of Sale Software
Software used by university departments to manage sales transactions.
How-to-Buy Point of Sale Software
23.13 IT Software - Other
Various software solutions which might not be covered in the preceding software commodities. Some examples might include accounting software, human resources software, project management software, and graphics, video, or web development software, etc.
23.14 IT MSAS
24. Recognition, Sponsorships & Study Subjects
24.01 Gift Cards
24.02 Recognition
Awards, honors, and acknowledgment items presented by the university to celebrate achievements, contributions, and milestones of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
24.03 Sponsorships & Donations
Process of acquiring funding, resources, or support from external entities, such as businesses, alumni, or philanthropic organizations, to enhance university programs, initiatives, and events.