We have partnered with the Purchasing Office to consider the vendors in the Designated Vendor Program as “preferred suppliers” so that you do not have to obtain competitive quotes. Please note, however, that you may still wish to do so to find the best price for your budget. The Designated Vendor Program does not establish pricing or rates, but rather requires vendors to agree to maintain consistent pricing structures to protect against drastic variance in pricing across Brown. Please also note that competitive bids are still required for any project over $250,000 that uses federal funds, as federal regulations require that those projects receive public bids.