Vendors and Suppliers at Minnesota State
Minnesota State is the fourth-largest system of higher education in the United States, serving over 270,000 students and employing 14,200 faculty and staff annually. With 33 colleges and universities across 54 campuses, plus the system office, we are continually seeking qualified suppliers to support our diverse purchasing and contracting needs.
Minnesota State and its individual colleges and universities procure or contract a wide range of goods and services across various categories. These categories include office supplies and equipment, professional services, infrastructure and construction, as well as academic-related supplies and services.
Minnesota State values your interest in providing goods and services to its community. As the institution executes bidding strategies, it is important to remain mindful of its values, which extend beyond simply finding the best price for a particular good or service. The goal is to cultivate relationships with key suppliers that share the values of price, quality, compliance, service, delivery, local relationships, and targeted group businesses (minority, women, disabled, veteran, and disadvantaged businesses) of Minnesota State
Suppliers are welcome to reach out to individual colleges and universities directly to introduce themselves. However, solicitation of business on Minnesota State premises is not permitted, unless requested. Suppliers will be contacted based on the current project needs of the institution.
How to Get Started
Minnesota State follows a decentralized procurement model—this means purchasing decisions are made at the campus level. The best way to start doing business with us is to connect directly with the acquisition representatives at the campus you are interested in serving.
Suppliers are welcome to reach out to individual colleges and universities directly to introduce themselves. However, solicitation of business on Minnesota State premises is not permitted, unless requested. Suppliers will be contacted based on the current project needs of the institution.
How to Get Started
Minnesota State follows a decentralized procurement model—this means purchasing decisions are made at the campus level. The best way to start doing business with us is to connect directly with the acquisition representatives at the campus you are interested in serving.
- Introduce your business
- Share your capabilities and offerings
- Explore opportunities to meet campus-specific needs
All purchasing activities follow the Minnesota State Board Policy 5.14 and associated system procedures, including strict adherence to purchasing thresholds. The cumulative dollar value of the procurement determines the purchasing methods.
Dollar Amount | Purchasing Requirement |
$0 - $49,999 | No formal solicitation required. Campuses may make purchases with discretion and are encouraged to seek best value. |
$49,999 - $99,999 | At least two (2) written quotes required. Must be documented and retained. Competitive selection is expected and awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder |
$100,000 and greater |
Formal solicitation required. Must follow a full competitive bidding process.
|
Equity Select | placeholder |
Note: Campuses may choose to have more restrictive procurement guidelines. Please check with the campus you which to do business with for details about their specific purchasing rules.
Minnesota State posts bid opportunities in several places. Campuses may also place advertisements in local newspapers.
Category | URL |
for non-construction | https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=MnSCU |
for construction | https://qcpi.questcdn.com/cdn/posting/?projType=&group=70464&provider=70464 |
State Government Goods & Services | https://osp.admin.mn.gov/GS-auto |
Minnesota State Government Professional and Technical | https://osp.admin.mn.gov/PT-auto |
Minnesota State Register | https://mn.gov/admin/bookstore/register.jsp |
State Designer Selection Board | https://mn.gov/admin/government/construction-projects/sdsb/about/ |