UC & CSU: A SMART Partnership

In April 2016, UC Procurement Services went to market for a flexible, integrated and intuitive procurement application to deliver best-in-class upstream solutions that would meet UC's complex systemwide technology needs. This comprehensive process resulted in a new partnership with GEP (Global eProcure) that will leverage the Smart by GEP platform for Spend Analytics, Sourcing, Contract Management, and Supplier Management. Users of this platform will enjoy a more streamlined interface, flexible workflows, superior reporting, and improved analytics. It will provide users with easy access to a rich, updated repository of checklists, supplier scorecards, new sourcing templates, and enhanced tools to support the new services. 

Throughout the selection process, UC engaged the California State University system in supplier demonstrations and considerations. It became evident from these discussions that there was an opportunity for collaboration which could drive process efficiencies and enhance data sharing. As a result, the two University systems have joined forces on upstream technology implementation. UC will own the relationship with GEP and manage the technology, and CSU will assist with configuring the tool and sharing in the cost.

This partnership will further enable UC and CSU to efficiently procure goods and services on behalf of California’s higher education institutions. Significant savings will likely be generated through the use of strategic and collaborative sourcing methods. Supported by tools, training and data analysis, we’ll be able to optimize spend and purchasing activities across the two systems, creating value and consistency for more users and allowing both procurement teams to accomplish similar missions.

“Collaboration on this scale to implement a single instance of comprehensive procurement technology between the UC, the most comprehensive and advanced postsecondary educational system in the world, and the CSU, the largest four-year public university system in the United States is unprecedented. The outcome, whether positive or negative, will resonate far beyond the walls of the individual campuses, UCOP or the CSU CO. The General Public, the Trustees, the Regents, the Legislature, and the Governor all have a vested interest in making this joint venture successful.” David Gee; Director, Procurement & Contracts at California State University, San Bernadino

Article written by Jason Hall, eCommerce Center of Excellence