Vendor Information
All purchases at Northern Illinois University are made according to the provisions of the Illinois Procurement Code, the Procurement Rules of the chief procurement officer for Public Institutions of Higher Education and other applicable state and federal regulations.
Transactions Greater than $100,000 May Require Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposals (RFP)
Registration
- Illinois Department of Human Rights (required if you have 15 or more employees)
- State Board of Elections (required)
- Illinois Secretary of State (required)
- to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing if you are a Corporation or a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Illinois Procurement Bulletin for Public Institutions of Higher Education
- if you wish to do business with NIU and other State of Illinois Universities.
- Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG)
Additional Registration Considerations
- Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
- if you are a woman, minority or disabled person who owns a business
- Veterans Business Program (VBP)
- if you are a veteran and own a business
- Small Business
- register through the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG)
- All bids, as well as all awards and special notices, are advertised in the Illinois Procurement Bulletin – Public Institutions of Higher Education
- This is a web-based Internet site available without charge to all potential bidders.
- Notices for upcoming Invitation for Bids (IFB) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) appear in the Bulletin for a minimum of 15 days.
- The university provides IFB's and RFP's, available for direct downloading by vendors. The Bulletin also carries notices for the other public universities in Illinois.
- Illinois Procurement Bulletin vendor award notices issued by NIU.
The Business Enterprise Program for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities is committed to fostering an inclusive and competitive business environment that will help business enterprises increase their capacity, grow revenue, and enhance credentials.
- Illinois Department of Central Management Services
- State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program Minorities, Women, Persons With Disability Participation and Utilization Plan
- BEP Certification Portal
- a searchable database maintained by the State's Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
- Vendors may apply for BEP Certification
- Veterans Business Program (VBP)
- Small Business Set-Aside Program (SBSP)
Campus departments are encouraged to proactively consider qualified certified businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and small businesses for their contracting needs.
- Search the BEP and/or VBP Certification Directory
Why is vendor diversity important to NIU?
- NIU's goal that is established by the BEP: buy at least 20 percent of goods and services from BEP-certified businesses
- In order to meet NIU's goal, a campus-wide commitment is required from end-user departments, staff, faculty, administration, and the office of Procurement Services and Contract Management
- State of Illinois Public Policy (30 ILCS 575/): Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act effective August 28, 1994.
Upcoming Events
The university is a tax-exempt institution and is not obligated to pay Illinois sales tax. The university is also exempt from sales tax in some other states. Learn more about NIU's tax exemption.
Contact Us
Procurement Services and Contract Management
Lowden Hall 107
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1671
815-753-6800 (FAX)
Related Links
Terms and Conditions for NIU Purchase Orders (PDF)
Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative
Certifications (PDF)