Chief Procurement Officer O.T. Wells II sent the following communication to CAOs, CFOs, and BruinBuy Plus users.
The federal administration recently announced significant tariffs that will impact nearly all United States trading partners. Considering this uncertainty, we must take proactive measures to mitigate disruptions.
The most effective and actionable step for the Bruin community is to prioritize the use of strategically sourced agreements with UCLA- and UC-systemwide vendors.
We have established collaborative, long-term relationships with these suppliers, and they are essential to our procurement strategy. By consolidating our spending, we enhance the value of these partnerships and ensure continuity during this period of instability.
- UCLA’s Vendor Agreements List outlines UCLA- and UC-systemwide contracts, including those for BruinBuy Plus catalogs.
- If you cannot utilize one of our strategic partners, consider possible tariff impacts when requesting vendor quotes.
- If a vendor increases costs because of the new tariffs, it is preferable that these additional fees be clearly identified in quotes and invoices rather than embedded in the cost of goods.
UC Systemwide Procurement and UC Chief Procurement Officers are actively collaborating as we navigate these unpredictable supply chain conditions. I will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
UCLA Campus Purchasing & Payables remains committed to helping you and your department during this challenging time. If you have any questions, please submit a ticket to the BruinBuy Plus service desk.
Sincerely,
O.T. Wells II
Chief Procurement Officer
UCLA Office of the Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer
