Procurment Update
To the Editor,
We would like to clarify and correct some of the information that reporter Jenny Che presented in her article, "Staff criticize procurement changes" (October 19, 2010).
The article states, "Copy machines throughout campus were replaced as part of a switch to W.B. Mason as the sole provider of office supplies to the College." While W.B. Mason was contracted to provide office supplies to help the College realize an annual savings of approximately $400,000, the contract for copiers/multifunction devices is a separate contract with Ricoh, which will save the College an additional $450,000 annually. The cost savings from these changes are contributing to the Strategic Budget Reduction and Investment process to resolve Dartmouth's $100 million annual budget gap.
While the installation of most new copiers went smoothly, the article correctly noted that there have been issues with copier implementation, in that some new equipment did not have "like" features. Those issues are quickly being addressed, and by Oct. 29 all departments will have copiers that meet their needs.
As we stated in a procurement update email to faculty and staff on Sept. 24, 2010, answers to questions about copiers/multifunction devices and office supplies including reimbursement for purchases made while traveling may be found online in the Procurement FAQ.
Nearly 20 staff members participated in the customer procurement team for office supplies and 12 staff members assisted with copier/multifunction devices, providing crucial guidance and input for these important, cost-saving initiatives. We are committed to involving faculty and staff in future administrative changes, and welcome continued comments and suggestions.
