UK and UofL Teaming up to Save Money on Contracts

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2015) — The University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky are partnering to purchase scientific supplies—a move that will save thousands of dollars per year on items such as gloves, pipette tips, centrifuges and upright freezers.

The two research universities combined the volume of their laboratory supplies to negotiate a higher-value contract with VWR International, LLC, a global laboratory supply and distribution company. The contract became effective Jan. 1.

“This UK/UofL cooperation will bring huge savings to both of our schools each year on general everyday scientific supplies, consumables, equipment and furniture,” said Bill Harris, UK’s chief procurement officer.

Although UK and UofL negotiated separate contracts for their specific needs, the purchasing divisions from the two institutions worked together to establish an umbrella agreement with the vendor for additional discounts and enhanced services.  In addition, Kentucky’s other public colleges and universities can utilize the agreement to save on their scientific supplies.

“UofL and UK are pleased that we came up with this collaborative strategy to help not only our students, faculty and staff but potentially, our peers at other Kentucky institutions,” said David Martin, UofL’s director of Contract Administration and Procurement Services.

The contracts are for an initial 5-year term with the opportunity for extensions up to 10 years.

"VWR is honored to have been chosen as the primary laboratory supply distributor for the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky," said Cassey Cloninger, South Central U.S. Sales Director for VWR. "Due to the partnership of these two institutions, the research communities at both universities will benefit tremendously from this value added agreement." 

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu