Procurement Services Newsletter

February 2026

Introducing the New RU Marketplace System Management Form

A new RU Marketplace System Management Form is now available to simplify how system update requests are submitted and managed. This form will allow you to request changes to user roles and access, modify requisition rules, update PO and invoice ownership, and initiate mass PO/commitment closures. You will also be able to download user and rule approver reports directly through the new form.

Key Highlights

Ability to enter your system update requests using this form instead of submitting to the Help Desk, ServiceNow, or via email.
Automated validations for NetIDs and Unit-Division-Org (UDO) data
On‑demand user and rule‑approver reports
Real‑time visibility into request status

Required Training

Business Managers and Delegates must complete training before receiving access to the new form.

Thank you to the 100+ participants from the first training on Wednesday, February 25.
Register now for the training scheduled on Monday, March 2, from 10–11:30 a.m.

Additional resources—including training recordings, FAQs, and a user guide—will be provided to participants.

If you cannot attend, please email Natasha Bloom or Veronica Suraci to arrange an alternative training session.

Important Update: Computer Hardware Pricing & Availability

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) recently shared an important announcement that due to unprecedented demand driven by AI and data center markets, major computer manufacturers — including Dell and other vendors — are experiencing significant pricing volatility, cost increases, and extended lead times.

These market conditions are expected to continue for the next 18 months or longer and will require more deliberate planning around procurement, budgeting, vendor selection, and configuration decisions.

What to Expect

Pricing Fluctuations: Costs for essential components are currently volatile and can change with little notice.
Extended Timelines: Shipping and delivery windows are lengthening, so planning purchases well in advance is now essential.
Customization Shifts: Requests for non-standard configurations now require individual quotes to account for daily shifts in inventory and market value.

Guidance and Support

OIT is monitoring conditions and will provide updates as vendor guidance evolves. In the meantime, for technology or specialized equipment planning, please reach out to your local IT team to obtain the latest insights on lead times and configurations to align with your technology requirements.

Rutgers University–Newark and Rutgers Health units should continue to work through RUWare for ordering and pricing information.

Mark Your Calendar for Office Hours and Trainings

Join Procurement Services staff for virtual open office hours and system trainings designed to strengthen your skills and answer your questions.

Topic-specific Office Hours:

On Monday, March 9, 2026, join any of the informal sessions to ask your questions, address your issues, share ideas, or simply listen and engage with our team.

There's no need to register in advance; simply click the links below to join the session(s) on
March 9.

Time	Topic	Link
9:00-9:30 a.m.	Accounts Payable	Join Accounts Payable Office Hour
10:00-10:30 a.m.	Purchasing and Contracts	Join Purchasing & Contracts Office Hour
11:00-11:30 a.m.	Supplier Management	Join Supplier Management Office Hour
1:00-2:00 p.m.	Travel, Expense, and Card	Join Travel, Expense & Card Office Hour

Upcoming Training Sessions:

These virtual trainings are designed for all users interested in learning about procurement systems and how to use them. There's also no need to register; just click the link to join.

Date & Time

Topic

Link

Monday, March 16

9:00-10:30 a.m.

Requisitioner Role in

RU Marketplace

An intro to

the purchasing process, covering topics such as profile setup, procurement authority, requisitions, forms, & common issues

Join RU Marketplace Requistioner training

Tuesday, March 17

10:00-11:00 a.m.

Concur Travel & Expense

An intro to

Concur, including demonstrations of common tasks, such as creating travel expense reports.

Join Concur Travel and Expense training

Wednesday, March 18

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Supplier Management

An overview of Payment Works including onboarding of new suppliers, navigating common scenarios, and best practices.

Join Supplier Management training

New Account Managers for Amazon, CDW, and Dell

New account managers are now supporting the university's relationships with Amazon, CDW, and Dell. These dedicated account managers are available to assist with product availability, quote requests, and shipping inquiries.

Please note updated contact information below: