Procurement and Contract Services
COVID-19 Purchasing FAQs
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Updated July 28, 2020
As part of USM’s response to COVID-19, purchasing FAQs are provided below. The University is monitoring the situation closely and reserves the right to alter the arrangements contained in these FAQs as necessary.
Cleaning Supplies/Hand Sanitizer
Will cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer be provided?
USM’s Physical Plant will procure cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer in bulk and deliver them to units on a regular basis.
What if my school/unit runs out of supplies?
Physical Plant custodial staff will monitor supply levels frequently as they are cleaning each building. If supplies run out unexpectedly, surfaces and hands should be cleaned with soap and water until more supplies can be delivered.
Can my school/unit purchase our own cleaning supplies or hand sanitizer?
All cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer will be purchased centrally to ensure the best bulk pricing is available and to allow all expenses for COVID-19 related supplies to be tracked. Schools/units that anticipate needing additional supplies for special events or other high-volume activities may submit requests through the Physical Plant work order system.
Protective Face Coverings
Will protective face coverings be provided?
Protective face coverings may be provided for employees who are required to wear a specific standard of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the nature of their job responsibilities (i.e., medical, public safety, research lab safety) and employees whose required uniforms are provided by USM. Additionally, the University will provide face masks and other PPE through the Physical Plant Storeroom. Units that desire these items for their employees should submit a work order through the Physical Plant’s work order system to obtain those items.
Can my school/unit purchase protective face coverings?
Schools/units with employees who are required to wear a specific standard of PPE for specific job functions or employees whose required uniforms are to be provided by USM, but are not available through the Physical Plant Storeroom, should submit purchase requests through Procurement and Contract Services by contacting Deidre Edwards, Buyer, at deidre.edwardsFREEMississippi or 601.266.4132.
What if my school/unit previously used protective face coverings, prior to COVID-19?
Schools/units that previously purchased a specific standard of PPE for uses unrelated to COVID-19 should continue to follow their standard purchasing processes.