WSU policies and procedures for purchasing are published electronically.  Refer to
Chapter 70 of the WSU Business Policies and Procedures Manual.

DIRECT-BUY LIMIT FAQs

What is the direct-buy limit?

It is an important purchasing threshold amount, set by Washington statute.  Goods costing less than the direct-buy limit may be purchased without price competition.  The experience of the purchaser is relied upon to obtain the required quality at the lowest cost.  Purchasing Services' buyers can provide sourcing assistance.  Email purchasing@wsu.edu to contact a buyer with appropriate commodity expertise.
 

Is the limit $3500 per item, or $3500 per order?

$3500 per order, before tax and shipping are added.
 

How can I purchase goods costing more than $3500?

Prepare specifications for the product(s) or service(s).  Have a Departmental Requisition prepared and sent to Purchasing Services with theses specifications attached.  A buyer will obtain the necessary quotes or bids, then provide requestor with bids for review and recommendation.  The buyer issues a purchase order to the successful vendor. 

Can I collect three quotes attach them to a requisition and have Purchasing Services place the order? 

State procurement rules for price competition make such a collection of quotes incomplete:

1) Recent legislation (WA SB5723) requires State agencies and institutions to post all opportunities to quote or bid on WEBS, a common vendor registration and bid notification system.  Purchasing Services is responsible for posting to the bid notification system.
  
2) At least one certified minority-owned business and one certified women-owned business must be solicited for each quote or bid.  Purchasing Services has access to the database of these certified businesses. RCW 49.19.1906(2)
 

What I need to order is "sole source" - there's only one vendor that can supply it. 
Does this order have to be bid?  

No, if there is adequate sole source justification.  To the Departmental Requisition, attach a sole source justification written to the Guidelines posted on this website.  If available, attach the quote provided by sole source vendor.  If the justification is approved, the buyer will issue a purchase order.  
 

I can only accept a specific product, but it is distributed by more than one vendor.  
Should I write a sole source justification? 

To the Departmental Requisition, attach a memo stating specifically why no substitute product is acceptable.  Specifics are required, so following the outline of the Guidelines for sole source is recommended.  If approved, the buyer will obtain quotes or bids from distributors.