UCT has 3 different types of vendors:
- Preferred vendors
These are accredited suppliers with whom UCT has negotiated best price, quality and service. They are identified by their financial stability, BEE status and references. Final selection is by the tender or RFP (Request For Proposal) process. The UCT community is encouraged to purchase from preferred vendors if possible.
- Trade vendors
These vendors are listed on SAP because departments need to use them. Listing on SAP does not automatically imply preferred vendor status.
- Temporary vendors
These vendors are loaded on SAP purely for purposes of payment directly into their bank account. They may only be used 3 times, after which they will be blocked. The vendor must then complete the full e-form and supply all required documentation before they can be used again by a UCT department. Departments are strongly discouraged from using temporary vendors unless for a genuine one-time payment.
Vendors are listed on the trade vendor database according to departmental needs. Continued listing depends on the frequency with which a vendor is used
Vendors are judged according to the following criteria for possible inclusion to the database:
- financial stability
- VAT status
- BEE status
- payment terms and method
- conditions of sale
- resource and operational capacity
- trade references
Completing a vendor application form does not guarantee automatic addition to the trade vendor database. Each application is evaluated on merit and in the best interest of the university.
Note: the university is required by law to ensure that a certain amount of its spending is directed to B-BBEE vendors.