Doing Business with Trent
Purchasing Services seeks competitive procurement whenever practical and encourages supplier competition. Our purchasing team works with the University end-users regarding the acquisition of goods and services to ensure that we are fair, open and transparent in the marketplace.
Trent University publicly advertises high value acquisition on two bid solicitation platforms: Bonfire and MERX. Tender notices posted on MERX will contain a link to access the documents on Bonfire. Vendor electronic tender submissions are completed through the University's Bonfire Portal. Suppliers must have a Bonfire user account in order to log in to portal. Once on the University’s Bonfire Public Purchasing Portal, vendors may select bid opportunity of interest. Registration and document download is free of charge. Award notifications will be posted on Bonfire within seventy-two (72) days of the contract award.
Trent University participates in several buying groups and collaborative initiatives to obtain the best value for the university:
- OUPPMA Ontario University Professional Procurement Management Association
- OECM Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace
- KCPG Kawartha Collaborative Purchasing Group
- CAUBO Canadian Association of University Business Officers
- MGS Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
There may be circumstances where competitive procurement can’t be used. A procurement exemption may be permitted provided it meets the criteria in a non-competitive exception or provision of the applicable trade agreement.
US Bank Virtual Payment Plus Payables Program:
Purchasing Services has engaged US Bank/VISA for a payables automation program opportunity called “Payment Plus”. Vendors can take advantage of direct electronic payments and are encouraged to participate. Payment Plus benefits include:
- Faster / guaranteed payments
- Decreased paper and costs
- Improved reconciliation
- Reduced labor-intensive processes
- Reduced risk
US Bank, on behalf of Trent University, has initiated a supplier enablement campaign. Vendors may contact Purchasing Services or Accounts Payables directly for any inquiries.
Notice to Suppliers: Worldwide Fraudulent Scam Potentially Using Trent University Name
A message from the Trent University Purchasing Department:
Trent University has been notified of a potential worldwide fraudulent scam that may be using the University’s name. Suppliers may be contacted through email requesting RFQ detail, followed by a confirmation purchase order, and identifying urgent delivery of goods to an address that is not a Trent University delivery address. The emails in question are not using the Trent University standard email @trentu.ca domain and are not using a Trent University phone number or staff contact. Please do not reply to these emails if received and contact us directly if you have questions about an RFQ or purchase order.
For reference, Trent University seeks sourcing processes (i.e. RFQ, RFP, etc.) on two bid solicitation platforms: Bonfire and MERX. Tender notices posted on MERX will contain a link to access the documents on Bonfire. Vendor electronic tender submissions are completed through the University's Bonfire Portal.
This scam has been reported by Trent University to law enforcement authorities. If you believe you are the victim of this type of fraudulent activity, we encourage you to report the incident to your local law enforcement as soon as possible. If you require additional assistance, please contact purchasing@trentu.ca or Ian Thomson, information Security Officer, Trent University at ithomson@trentu.ca.