10-16-25: Guidelines on Amazon Purchases and CUNY Procurement Hierarchy
TO: All Department Chairs, Directors, and Administrative Staff
FROM: Michella Danner, Associate Procurement Director
DATE: October 14, 2025
RE: Guidelines on Amazon Purchases and CUNY Procurement Hierarchy
Dear Colleagues-
Procurement would like to remind all departments of the proper use of Amazon for College-related purchases and to reinforce adherence to the CUNY Procurement Hierarchy when obtaining goods and services.
While we understand that Amazon may appear to be a convenient or cost-effective option, it cannot be used solely for those reasons. Amazon purchases are intended only for small, emergency, or one-time purchases of items that cannot be obtained through any other registered CUNY vendor.
Please note that the College’s Amazon account has a reduced spending limit, and funds must be distributed fairly among departments.
All purchases must comply with CUNY’s established Procurement Hierarchy, which ensures the use of preferred and contracted sources before considering other options.
| Level | Procurement Method | Examples / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preferred Sources | Must always be considered first for all goods and services. | NYSID (NYS Industries for the Disabled), NYSPSP (Preferred Source Program for People who are Blind), Corcraft (Dept. of Corrections/Furniture). |
| 2. University-Wide & Centralized Contracts | Use available CUNY, State, or City contracts before seeking outside vendors. | CUNY, OGS (Office of General Services), DCAS (Department of Citywide Administrative Services), DOE (Department of Education), DOITT (Dept. of Information Technology & Telecommunications), GSA (General Services Administration). |
| 3. Competitive Procurements | Used when no contracts exist. Must follow proper solicitation process. | RFQ (Request for Quotation), TQ (Telephone Quotation), RFP (Request for Proposal), IFB (Invitation for Bid), Piggybacking, Consortia Contracts. |
| 4. Single or Sole Source | Allowed only when competition is not feasible and requires full justification and approval. | Used for unique or proprietary goods/services when only one vendor is available. |
Supplier Diversity – MWBE / SDVOB
CUNY actively promotes supplier diversity and encourages the use of NYS-certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB). Departments are encouraged to consider these vendors whenever possible to support the University’s participation goals.
Key Reminders
- Amazon should not be used as a first option for procurement.
- Always explore CUNY-approved contracts and preferred vendors first.
- Emergency or one-time purchases through Amazon must be pre-approved and properly justified.
- All purchases must follow the appropriate competitive or non-competitive method.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining compliance with CUNY procurement regulations and ensuring responsible use of College funds. If you have any questions or need guidance on vendor selection or purchasing options, please contact the Purchasing Department.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to compliance.
With Warm regards,
The Procurement Team
Email Contacts: mdanner@jjay.cuny.edu | wfan@jjay.cuny.edu | dparedes@jjay.cuny.edu