Procuring Technology

Prior to making any technology-related purchase you must submit the request to CVAD IT Services for approval for review to ascertain or identify any issues that must be addressed, questions or concerns about potential support issues, and that the request meets UNT System compliance and purchasing standards.
 
In all cases, IT Services will work to ensure the college is getting the best possible price: educational discounts may be available. As a state agency UNT is tax-exempt, and a better price for technology may be requested through a different vendor(s).
 
In some, but not all cases, IT Services may be able fill a request with existing equipment. In the case of software requests, the request may be filled using another source of funds, saving a faculty member from having to spend startup or grant funds on the purchase. This will depend on the use case: please clearly identify the use case.
 
Once the review has been completed, IT Serivces will provide a quote from a vendor to be used to make the purchase.
 
Requests can be submitted using the online Technology Request form.
 
Technology Request Form
 
The CVAD Technology procurement process applies to the following.
  • Computers, printers, and other peripherals.
  • Software: Free and open source software and proprietary software must be submitted for CVAD IT Services' review.
  • Online services: Free and paid services must be submitted for CVAD IT Services' review.
  • Any equipment that requires a computer or has a computer embedded as part of the equipment.
Computers purchases must adhere to the UNT Computing Standards: exceptions to the base models are available when needed to meet software or other technology requirements. The UNT Computer Standards for instruction and research are not low specifications: they are chosen to meet the needs of a wide range of software and equipment. If you need an exception to the standard configuration, IT Services will obtain a quote for a computer that meets the requirements of the software and/or hardware.
 
If requesting a computer: notify IT Services which platform — Mac, PC — is requested, a description of the intended use, and the software and equipment you intend to use with the computer. Computer or hardware purchases must include a service agreement.
 
If requesting software or an online service, the request must pass a mandated compliance approval. If applicable, a UNT Purchasing Card purchase approval also will be requested.
 
For peripherals and accessories, IT Services will review to confirm compatibility.
 
Computer and general peripheral approvals generally have a quick turnaround except during periods of high activity such as during the first 12 class days of semester or the end of the semester.
 
Requests are usually approved, but the process can take a week or longer under normal circumstances. During busy times, such as when the university is making a large computer purchase, approvals may take even longer. If you are requesting software or an online service that stores sensitive information (Category 1), the review process might be more thorough and take longer. In such cases, we may need to contact you and the vendor for additional information to complete the approval.