Sell to Boston University

All Boston University suppliers are expected to join the Ariba Network to conduct all Procure-to-Pay transactions. Boston University will issue all Purchase Orders via the Ariba Network. Additionally, we will only accept your invoices via the Ariba Network. Invoices sent via mail, email or fax will not be processed for payment. For more information on how to conduct business on the Ariba Network with Boston University please visit the Supplier Information Portal.

Boston University is no small operation. With over 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 130 countries, 17 schools and colleges, and nearly 10,000 faculty and staff, our two campuses are always in need of competitively priced quality products and services. Sourcing & Procurement is committed to providing our University suppliers with the tools and information needed to be our business partner.

Terms & Conditions

Payment

Boston University’s standard payment terms are Net 60; meaning payment will be made 60 days after the date listed on the invoice.*

If selected to be a University supplier, during online supplier registration, you can choose to enroll in BU’s accelerated payment program by selecting early payment options in exchange for discounts. When selecting an accelerated payment option, BU will deduct a percentage of the total invoice amount for payments made earlier than the regular payment terms. BU will pay the invoice in full if payment is made outside the discount payment terms. See the accelerated payment term and discount rate options listed below. Suppliers have the option to receive payment in multiple forms, including check or through payment to an ePayables credit card. To sign up for the ePayables program please complete the Bank of America ePayables Request Form and send it to payables@bu.edu. For more information about the accelerated payment program, please contact supplier@bu.edu.

Accelerated Payment Program Options:

Discount Rate for Early Payment	Early Payment Terms	Regular Payment Terms
2%	10 Days	Net 30

How can I change my terms to the accelerated payment program?

Suppliers currently registered with BU can enroll in the accelerated payment program at any time. To enroll in the accelerated payment program or confirm the payment term status of your relationship with BU, please contact supplier@bu.edu.
What if my company has an open BU contract or purchase order with different payment terms?

BU will honor past contractual commitments. Invoices for new purchase orders or contracts issued after July 1, 2010, will be paid per the payment term program described above.

Products or services delivered to BU without a purchase order or contract referenced on the invoice will be subject to payment under the University’s payment term program. Invoices must reference an authorized Boston University purchase order number to guarantee timely and proper payment*.
How do I know that Boston University will honor its payment term commitments?

Boston University makes every effort to pay invoices within agreed payment terms and relies on Suppliers to send invoices directly to the Accounts Payable Department with valid purchase order numbers referenced on the invoices to ensure timely payment*.

Suppliers interested in receiving timely payments electronically can do so using either Bank of America’s Paymode EFT payment program or Bank of America’s ePayables credit card payment program. Please contact Accounts Payable for further information on how to sign up for Paymode or ePayables. For more information about payments, please visit the Accounts Payable Department website (bu.edu/ap/faq/).
I still have questions about the Boston University payment terms. Who can I talk to?

For additional questions about the payment process and payment terms, please visit the Accounts Payable Department website (http://www.bu.edu/ap/faq/) or contact Accounts Payable via invoices@bu.edu.

Code of Ethics

As a world-class research institution with wide-ranging supply needs, Boston University recognizes the value that our suppliers provide to the BU community. Our goal is to create strategic relationships with a variety of suppliers who can provide superior service at the lowest total costs to the various academic and administrative branches of the University.

BU encourages competition for University business among small businesses and firms with diverse ownership to enable our supply base to reflect the face of our student body, staff, faculty, and communities.

This commitment reinforces the research and educational objectives of the University, creates opportunities for diverse growth, and strengthens our community. By registering with Boston University as a supplier, you will enable the University to capture your interests and allow our buyers to identify you as a potential supplier for future purchases.

Please see more information on this policy on Boston University’s Policy page.In addition, suppliers are reminded of the gift policy for Boston University employees.

Supplier Diversity

I am a certified diverse supplier. How do I start doing business with BU?

Submit a self-registration form through our Interested Supplier Registration Portal. Once approved, you will receive a request with a link to register as a supplier and your information will be made available to our Requisitioner community.
I am a minority business but do not have certification. What should I do to start doing business with BU?

To start, you should register your business with a certifying agency or visit your State’s SDO Program. For Massachusetts businesses, please visit https://www.mass.gov/ for more information on the application process. Once your company is awarded a certification by the State or another certifying agency, submit your business’s information with BU through our Interested Supplier Registration Portal.

Please remember this portal is only used to express interest in supplying goods or services to Boston University. Submitting a request does not guarantee, or obligate, the University to transact with your company in any way. By submitting this request, you may receive a request for additional information, including a link to register as a supplier, which is required to receive a valid purchase order.

COVID-19 Essential Supplier Recognition Event

On November 4th, Boston University held a luncheon to recognize suppliers who had helped Boston University during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Click here to find more information on the event.

*Invoice payments are issued upon invoice approval by the department responsible for the purchase. Payment terms and timely payment assume suppliers send invoices directly to the Accounts Payable Department with a valid BU purchase order number referenced clearly on the invoice.

Sell to Boston University

Sell to Boston University

Terms & Conditions

Services

Goods

Payment

How can I change my terms to the accelerated payment program?

What if my company has an open BU contract or purchase order with different payment terms?

How do I know that Boston University will honor its payment term commitments?

I still have questions about the Boston University payment terms. Who can I talk to?

Code of Ethics

Supplier Diversity

I am a certified diverse supplier. How do I start doing business with BU?

I am a minority business but do not have certification. What should I do to start doing business with BU?

COVID-19 Essential Supplier Recognition Event