Northern Illinois University encourages vendors to acquaint the university community with new products and services appropriate to the educational and support services offered to the university community.

Vendors are encouraged to contact the Office of Procurement Services to set up an appointment for introductory visits with both the Procurement Buying staff and university departmental representatives who may be interested in the product line offered by the vendor.

Vendors wishing to demonstrate equipment to prospective customers may do so provided that they have received a request for demonstration by one or more university departmental representatives and such requests have been approved by the Procurement Services Department. Demonstration equipment left on campus overnight shall be the sole responsibility of the vendor and vendors are encouraged to safeguard their equipment while on campus.

Northern Illinois University requires that the Office of Procurement Services make all purchasing commitments. No other university staff or faculty members are authorized to commit university funds or to financially obligate the university in any way. Prices quoted by vendors during visits on campus or during discussions with university representatives are not considered firm until a formal bid or written quotation is submitted by the vendor at the request of the Office of Procurement Services.

Vendors should not solicit free trial periods with staff or faculty members of the university unless contractual agreements have been approved through the Office of Procurement Services.