General Steps for Ordering Software (Under $10K)

There are various steps that need followed when a Department needs to order software if the software cost is under $10k.  All contracts need to be reviewed by Purchasing and Legal prior to the software being ordered - through the LUCA (Lehigh University Contracts Administration) process.  After a LUCA request is submitted, LTS security and Infrastructure reviews will take place based on the LUCA form that is submitted. An RFP is not required for software that costs under $10k.  The LTS Security and Infrastructure reviews will take place concurrently with the contract review process based on the information submitted on the technology form - such as data requirements, security requirements etc. The steps for ordering software are below: 

  1. Submit a software request to the LTS software committee

  2. Submit a LUCA request for reviewing the contract

General steps for requesting and ordering software ($10k and over)

There are various steps and approvals that need followed when a Department needs to order software if the software cost $10k or more.   (Need help on this). 

  1. Submit a software request to the LTS software committee

  2. Submit a LUCA request for reviewing the contract

  3. Submitting an RFP

Selecting a Vendor for Software or Software as a Service (Saas)

When selecting a vendor for software or Software as a Service (SaaS), you should consider the impact of your decision for the entire Lehigh community. The following provides some guidance to get started.

  • How is the solution you are looking for aligned with the university strategic goals?
  • Work closely with stakeholders to develop well defined requirements and expected outcomes for the solution.
  • Consider security and technology integrations implication of your solution such as SSO, integration with university systems (Banner), and data being handled (Data Classification). 
  • As part of any Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the selection criteria must be clearly defined so that you can properly rate and select the vendor that best matches your requirements.
  • When selecting a vendor, leverage your selection criteria to avoid selecting the lowest bidder or one that you may have preferred prior to the RFP process.
  • Be consistent with your questions and responses to all vendors involved with the RFP process.
  • LTS has consultancy services to help with evaluating, selecting, and ensuring successful integration and implementation.
Purchasing Reference Documents:

Lehigh Purchasing Policies

Choosing a Vendor