Risk Management in FY25
Risk Management
UC San Diego
Procurement Ensures Research Continuity at UC San Diego
New federal regulations under the AIM Act of 2020 restricted HFC-23, a gas vital to UC San Diego’s Nano3 Lab semiconductor research. The phase-down threatened years of work, but Procurement partnered with the lab to secure annual allowances, ensuring research continuity and avoiding costly redevelopment. This proactive collaboration shows how strategic procurement safeguards innovation, helps navigate regulatory hurdles, and supports UC’s research excellence in the face of evolving sustainability mandates.
UC Irvine
Updated Procurement Guidelines Strengthen Compliance
In FY24/25, UC Irvine released revised 707-10 Procurement Guidelines to align with evolving UC, state, and federal requirements. The updates clarify requisitions, approvals, and compliance, reducing errors and boosting confidence. Procurement Services urged stakeholders to review the changes, reinforcing UCI’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and accountability in procurement.
UC San Francisco
UCSF Training Series on Procuring Professional Services
UCSF Supply Chain Management created a staff education series to simplify professional services procurements as UC updates Statement of Work (SOW) requirements. The series explains service types, documentation pitfalls, and why these purchases matter, serving as a guide to smarter, compliant buying. It also offers inspiration for other campuses to align with new SOW updates, compliance goals, and risk mitigation.
Procurement & the Law Learnings
UC has many legal requirements and complex policies that guide our procurement and buying. In May 2025, UC Systemwide Procurement and UC Legal hosted Procurement & the Law, an engaging all-day hybrid learning event for procurement and contracting professionals across the system, offering practical guidance and foundational knowledge on essential topics like: Indemnity & Limitation of Liability, Appendix DS/Cybersecurity, GDPR & BAA, and Accessibility in Digital Spaces.
These informative sessions are forming the foundation of a series of online modular training courses which will be hosted in the UC Procurement portal and launched in fall 2025.
Report on Supply Chain Trends Shaping 2025
As 2025 began, UC’s supply chain faced uncertainty from proposed tariffs, shifting labor policies, and price volatility. To prepare, Systemwide Procurement conducted a comprehensive survey and interviewed key suppliers.
Insights showed 85% expect growth in 2025, driven by higher education demand, reshoring, and in-person work. But 60%+ voiced concern over tariffs and trade impacts. Many mentioned exploring domestic sourcing, diversifying origins, and accelerating purchases—insights that helped UC Procurement strengthen strategies, stay resilient and responsive, and prepare for the year ahead.
Low Dollar Purchasing Guidance
The UC Workforce Compliance Office (WCO), in collaboration with UC Systemwide Procurement (SWP), have created and posted standard practice guidance for Low Dollar Purchasing and Retail transactions to meet Covered Services (AFSCME Article 5 and Regents Policy 5402) requirements. This purchasing guidance is available in the Procurement Portal (SSO login required for full range of resources).
UC Policy Updates Increase Compliance
Several key UC Delegation Policies were updated to enhance operational clarity, efficiency, and compliance. Additionally, we updated the UC Terms & Conditions (T&Cs), the governing document for all UC supplier agreements, ensuring legal protection and compliance across procurement activities.
UC Travelers Got the Inside Scoop on Southwest Changes
When Southwest Airlines—UC’s most-used carrier—announced changes like bag fees and assigned seating, the UC Central Travel Office responded with two webinars featuring Southwest leaders. Each drew 600+ attendees and over 200 traveler questions, earning an 85% satisfaction rating. These sessions gave UC faculty and staff clarity on upcoming changes and direct engagement with the airline—showcasing how UC Procurement keeps the community informed and connected during shifts in the travel landscape.
Strategic Priorities
UC Procurement is committed to the five strategic priorities below. Through dedication to these priorities, we strive to empower our campuses, foster innovation, and shape a more sustainable and equitable future. This Annual Report is organized by these five priorities – click any card to delve into our progress in these areas:
Economic and Community Impact
Strategic Partnerships
Drive Value and Savings
Continuous Improvement
Risk Management
Our supply chain, legal, and policy strategies minimize risk to safeguard UC against financial, operational, and reputational damage.