Purchasing Overview

The ability to purchase items is essential for the conduct of your research.   You may purchase research/laboratory supplies and equipment from both on-campus and off-campus sources. 

It will be important for you to know information regarding your research project's funding before you place orders. You will be assigned account codes assigned to the project (grant, contract, etc.) on which you are working.   Please do not share these codes with other people.

All costs over $100 must be authorized in writing by the principal investigator on your research project.

The California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) handles the purchasing functions for CPOS:

CNSI Purchasing Office
Elings Hall, Room 3241
Tel:   805-893-8012
Fax:   805-893-6132
E-mail:   purchase@cnsi.ucsb.edu

Low Value Purchase Orders (LVPO)
Low Value Purchase Orders (LVPO) are used for supplies, materials, services and repairs totaling less than $2,500 including tax and shipping.

High Value Purchase Orders (HVPO)
High Value Purchase Orders are used for supplies, materials, services and repairs totaling more than $2,500 including tax and shipping; equipment (see definition) that individually totals more than $5,000 including tax; and equipment rentals in excess of 30 days.

On Campus Storerooms and Services

Cash Expense Reimbursements 

Office Supplies

Please remember:   No office/administrative supplies are allowed on federal contracts or grants and all purchases or recharges over $100 must be authorized in writing by the principal investigator on your research project.