The Low Value Procurement Program provides a convenient way for departments to purchase goods and services.  

Authorized Department Buyers who perform business transactions under the LVP Program do so as purchasing agents representing the University and the Regents. They must maintain and practice the highest standards of business ethics, observe applicable laws and policies, and avoid any conflict of interest. Authorized Department Buyers' responsibilities include placing orders by using Purchase Orders, or by using one of the Card Program cards, such as bluCard.

A Low Value Purchase Order (LVPO) is used by department buyers to buy routine, low-dollar supplies and services, subject to the University of California Terms and Conditions of Purchase (Appendix A).

All transactions requiring a Purchase Order (PO) start in the
Berkeley Financial System (BFS) with the creation of the PO, by which the order is placed with the supplier, and against which the supplier shall invoice. 

Department Buyers are strongly encouraged to: 

• Utilize strategic sourcing agreements 
• Use a diverse pool of suppliers, including small, minority, veteran and women owned businesses 

A department buyer has the delegated authority to purchase materials, supplies, services, and repairs when these goods and services:

• Don't exceed $4,999.99, including tax on purchase orders
• Don't exceed $4,999.99, including tax, freight and handling on bluCard, if they are a cardholder
• Don't exceed $49,999.99 in accordance with certain systemwide agreement or campus contract terms and conditions for supplies and services (see Strategic Sourcing at left and Supplier Agreements button at right for more information)
• Are not inventorial equipment
• Are not restricted items
• Don't require a signed vendor contract

For more information about Low Value Procurement, see the LVPA page under Delegated Authority.