Faculty and Staff

How to Buy Computer Software

Last updated August 9, 2009 11:54:56 PM PDT
Give more feedback

Follow the steps on this page to purchase off-the-shelf software for your department.

In the right place? If you want to contract for custom software, please see Custom Software Overview.

Expand all

1. Determine your supplier.

2. Decide how you will purchase the software.

  • If your supplier is on campus and you are using the recharge method, proceed to Step 3.
  • If your supplier is off campus, or you are not using the recharge method, proceed to Step 4.

3. To make the purchase by recharge, follow these steps.

  • Check with your department's financial administrator to be sure you are authorized to recharge for your department. If you are, obtain the index for the recharge.
  • Make sure you are purchasing software from a recharging department, such as UCSD Bookstore or ACMS, when you place your order.
  • Provide the recharging department with the proper accounting information.

4. Choose the correct method for your purchase.

  • Use Express Card if:
    • You are authorized to use Express Card.
    • The cost is less than $4,999, including tax, shipping, and handling.
  • Complete a Department Order if:
    • You have a valid buyer code.
    • The cost is less than $2,500, including tax, shipping, and handling.
  • Submit a High Value Purchase Requisition if:
    • The cost is more than $2,500 and you will not be using Express Card to place your order.
      Note: If you have a quote from the vendor, mail or fax copy of the quote to the procurement specialist for your location. Include the requisition number on the quote.
    After your order is placed, you will receive your copy of the High Value Purchase Order.

Expand all

Questions? Contact Bryan Hurley, 534-1940.

Notice: Each copy of software used at UCSD must be covered by a license agreement. If you buy packaged software, the license agreement is included. Software obtained in other ways must be covered by a department, campus, or university agreement, or its use is illegal. Exceptions include: shareware (whose use should be registered as specified by the owner), public domain software, and software developed by the University.