UCO Technology Purchases

Overview

Beginning July 1, 2020, the Central Tech Store has become the primary source for technology hardware purchases at UCO. All individuals and departments looking to purchase technology hardware or accessories (including power cords, adapters, etc.) will need to follow the information and steps outlined below. 

Guidelines | Technology Standards | Process for Purchasing | FAQ

Guidelines

I need to purchase: 

• Purchasing items that are not on the standardized list are accepted but follow a separate process from those items on the standard list. 
• No changes will be required for individual departmental approval and/or processing. 
• All pcard holders will need to create an account and identify their department before making institutional purchases through the Central Tech Store Online.

Technology Standards

The UCO Techs have compiled a list of standardized technology equipment that will be kept in stock in the Central Tech Store. These items have been pre-approved by UCO Techs, the Office of Information Technology, and the UCO Purchasing Office and do not require additional approvals beyond individual department requirements for purchase. 

Visit the Central Tech Store online and browse the Institution category for tax-exempt, standard technology purchases. 

Additional technology equipment not found on the standardized purchasing list can still be purchased following the guidelines listed below. Please refer to the Technology Standards Guide to learn more about minimum technology requirements for use at UCO then follow the process(es) below to initiate a non-standard technology purchase. 

Process for Purchasing Technology

All technology purchases made through the Central Tech Store can now be completed using a PCard, regardless of the order total. If your PCard limit is not sufficient to place your order, contact the Purchasing Office to request an increase. Please refer to the links below to follow the process for purchasing standard or non-standard hardware and accessories.

Hardware Standard Purchases | Hardware Non-Standard Purchases | Accessories Standard Purchases | Accessories Non-Standard Purchases 

Hardware Standard Purchases

These instructions are for any individual or department who needs to purchase some type of technology device including phones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers from the standardized technology list. Please refer to the standardized technology list for a list of pre-approved technologies that are available for same-day delivery through the Central Tech Store.

**Please Note: All pcard holders will need to create an account and identify their department before making institutional purchases through the Central Tech Store Online.**

1. An individual identifies a technology hardware need from the Standardized Technology list and communicates this need with their department purchaser. 
2. Departments continue to follow their existing departmental policies for technical review and budget requests utilizing the new Standardized Technology list. 
3. The department purchaser either visits the Central Tech Store in person (NUC 216) or visits the Central Tech Store online (techstore.uco.edu) and logs in to their account.
   
4. The department purchaser then builds a cart of all standard technology purchases using the Institution category.
   **Note: Only items selected from the Institutional section of the online tech store will be tax-exempt.**
   
5. The department purchaser submits the order using their pcard information. 
   
6. The Central Tech Store will process the order and set up delivery with the department assigned technician. 
7. The Department Tech will prepare, setup, and deliver the device to the end-user. 

Hardware Non-Standard Purchases

These instructions are for any individual or department who needs to purchase some type of technology device including tablets, laptops, or desktop computers that is not found on the standardized technology list. It is recommended that individuals work with their department tech on technology selection and reference the technology standards document prior to purchasing. 

1. An individual identifies a technology hardware need that does not appear on the technology standards list and communicates that need to the Department Technician by submitting a Non-Standard Hardware Purchase - Quote Request.
   **Note: Click Request Assistance to complete the Non-Standard Hardware Purchase - Quote Request form.
   
2. The Department Tech will review the need and initiate the internal processes necessary for approval. Once approved, the Department Tech will work with the Central Tech Store to place the order. 
3. The Department Purchaser will be contacted by the Central Tech Store to notify the purchaser of the order and make payment arrangements. 
   **Note: For non-standard hardware orders, the purchaser will have to visit the Central Tech Store in person or call for payment with their pcard. There will be no online purchasing options.**
4. The Central Tech Store will process the order and arrange delivery to the Department Tech. 
5. The Department Tech will prepare, setup, and deliver the device to the end-user. 

Accessory Standard Purchase

These instructions are for any individual or department who needs to purchase some type of technology accessory including batteries, adapters, power cords, etc. from the standardized technology list. Please refer to the standardized technology list for a list of pre-approved technologies that are available for same-day delivery through the Central Tech Store.

**Please Note: All pcard holders will need to create an account and identify their department before making institutional purchases through the Central Tech Store Online.**

1. An individual identifies a technology accessory need from the Standardized Technology list and communicates this need with their department purchaser. 
   **Optional, but Recommended: Communicate your need to the Department Technician for review and recommendations. The department tech would then submit the request to the Department Purchaser.**
2. Departments continue to follow their existing departmental policies for technical review and budget requests utilizing the new Standardized Technology list. 
3. The department purchaser either visits the Central Tech Store in person (NUC 216) or visits the Central Tech Store online (techstore.uco.edu) and logs in to their account.
   
4. The department purchaser then builds a cart of all standard technology purchases using the Institution category.
   **Note: Only items selected from the Institutional section of the online tech store will be tax-exempt.**
   
5. The department purchaser submits the order using their pcard information. 
   
6. The Central Tech Store will process the order and set up delivery with the original requester.

Accessory Non-Standard Purchases

These instructions are for any individual or department who needs to purchase some type of technology accessory including batteries, adapters, power cords, etc. that is not listed on the standardized technology list.

1. An individual identifies a technology accessory need and communicates this need with their department purchaser. 
   **Optional, but Recommended: Communicate your need to the Department Technician for review and recommendations. The department tech would then submit the request to the Department Purchaser.**
2. Departments continue to follow their existing departmental policies for technical review and budget requests. 
3. The Department Purchaser places the order with the Central Tech Store (CTS) or preferred outside vendor using the existing UCO Purchasing Department policies.
4. The CTS or outside vendor processes the order and sets up delivery with the end-user. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What if my purchase exceeds the limit on my pcard? 
  No problem! You will need to reach out to the Purchasing Office to request an increase to your Central Tech Store purchasing limit. 
• Can I purchase something that is not on the technology standards list?
  Yes! Purchasing items that are not listed on the standardized technology list are considered "Non-Standard" purchases. Please refer to the instructions above for placing either hardware or accessory non-standard purchases.