UVa Marketplace User Fair to Be Held Oct. 17

Oct. 13, 2006 -- December is the scheduled launch date for a new electronic procurement system, called UVa Marketplace, where users will be able to browse, search, view product images, comparison shop and buy from a large number of U.Va.’s most commonly used and preferred supplier catalogs.

A user fair is being offered on Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Newcomb Hall Ballroom for employees to test drive the new system, and see demonstrations of the new functionalities. Cookies, popcorn and door prizes will be provided.

The Marketplace will assist the University in meeting the e-procurement requirements of the state, while providing numerous benefits to U.Va. purchasers. A single sign-on will access multiple Web catalogs and line-item purchasing details. Better pricing and supplier diversity will
result from the easier access to negotiated discount pricing, to preferred suppliers and to SWAM vendors. Order processing time will decrease as orders are transmitted electronically.

The system will debut with 50 online vendor catalogs. All employees with PO Purchaser and PO
Requester responsibilities will be able to use the Marketplace with their existing Integrated System (IS) responsibilities. PCard holders and others with no IS responsibilities will have an opportunity to request the new ‘Shopper’ responsibility. User training for the UVA Marketplace system will be primarily Web-based and will be available closer to December. Work sessions will be provided prior to and after the go-live date.

For more information visit www. procurement.virginia.edu/main/uvamarket/UVAMarket.html

Media Contact