9/18/03 New master agreement for copiers coming

 

Today University departments buy from any one of 7 local copier deals. Through the years, the 7 dealers have represented and sold 18 different brands of copiers and 178 different models. Of the over 400 copiers on campus, 8% are leased, and 67% are over 3 years old.

 

Traditionally, each copier purchase required a separate requisition for the equipment purchase and the equipment maintenance agreement. For copier purchases over $5000 three quotes were required. The process of purchasing copiers at Notre Dame is about to change.

 

The cumbersome and fragmented process did not allow for aggregation of purchasing - consequently, Procurement Services kicked off a copier Request for Proposal (RFP) process in late June. A 14 member copier committee was selected to help define the needs of the University and guide the review. The members of the committee include: Amy Amoni, T.D.Ball, Tina Bergland, Sherry DePoy, Doug Franson, Ed Gill, Shelly Goethals, Nina Hershberger, Doug Kroll, Linda Lange, Geroge Malamatos, Tom Nevala, Don Padgett, and Roger Woodbury.

 

Based on the recommendation of peer Universities who have successfully implemented copier programs, the committee is evaluating an exclusive "Cost per Copy" program.

 

"Cost per Copy" programs take away the need to negotiate the price of individual copiers and maintenance agreements. You simply pay for the copies-not copiers. Because all equipment is aggregated under one contract, entire costs (equipment and maintenance) are often lower than just the maintenance agreement costs on older equipment. The affordability of cost per copy programs often allows departments to have newer digital equipment with more options (like duplexing, stapling, and 3-hole punching). In addition, these copiers will be networked, enabling departments to reduce the usage of expensive desktop printers.

 

Watch for more details as the process is finalized!