Equipment, supplies, services, and numerous other types of expenses are all ordered and paid for via BearBuy.
BearBuy Access
BearBuy (sign in with your CalNet credentials)
If you want to access BearBuy from a computer that's not connected to the campus network, you must install the Global Connect VPN
If you're not able to sign in, contact CSS at (510) 664-9000 option 1, then option 2, or bearbuyhelp@berkeley.edu
BearBuy Usage
Guide for setting up your profile -- this will help move your shopping carts through the system more quickly
Guide explaining which type of form to use for each transaction -- if you're still not sure, contact us at physi-finance@lists.berkeley.edu
Guide for placing Non-Catalog orders -- this is the most frequent type of BearBuy transaction for most Physics researchers
Guide for placing bluCard orders -- use this for vendors that won't accept Purchase Orders from the University (contact us at physi-finance@lists.berkeley.edu if you're not sure how to tell)
Guide for the Payment Request form -- most commonly used to pay invoices for publication charges or lodging/dining charges from one of the faculty clubs on campus
List of commonly used Account codes
BearBuy Assistance
Further assistance and resources are available at this link. If you need assistance with a cart that you've already submitted, contact our CSS regional purchasing staff at bnfs_chemistry_mps@berkeley.edu
High Dollar Value Orders
Source justification form -- use this for orders with a cost of $10,000 or higher that are being paid for with Federal funds, or for orders with a cost of $100,000 or higher that are being paid for with non-Federal funds
Equipment orders for research purposes sometimes qualify for a California partial sales tax exemption. This form should be filled out and attached to your BearBuy cart. Details are explained here. (The Program Code in your chartstring must be 44, not 40, or your order won't qualify for the exemption.) Please note that the form was revised in April of 2021, and question 2 now asks for a seven-digit project chartfield value. Contact us at physi-finance@lists.berkeley.edu if you need help determining this number (or you can contact your RA).
BearBuy Receiving
After placing a BearBuy order, you may receive an email from the system stating "You have invoiced items to review." Links within the email will direct you to enter receiving information in BearBuy. If you have indeed received the item(s) in question, this guide explains how to enter the receiving info. Please note, Physics staff enters receiving information into BearBuy in the stockroom, so for any given order, it may or may not be necessary for you to do this task. Please contact us at physi-finance@lists.berkeley.edu if you're not sure how to proceed after receiving one of these emails from the system.
Adding New Vendors
Please contact us at physi-finance@lists.berkeley.edu with whatever information you have about the vendor, and we will assist you with getting them entered in the system.
Shipments From Overseas Vendors
The University has a customs brokerage service, American Cargoservice, who can be of great assistance with getting foreign orders through customs in the quickest and most cost-efficient manner possible. The best way to make use of their help is to involve them during the quotation stage, so they can communicate with the vendor before the order is ready to ship. They can be reached at UC@acssan.com. This document gives more details on their processes.
FAQs
How do I obtain authorization to shop in BearBuy?
Please contact Campus Shared Services Center IT, Application Support Center.
Contact Information:
Phone: (510) 664-9000 option 1, then option 2
Email: bearbuyhelp@berkeley.edu.
Contacting the BearBuy Help Desk will generate a ticket that will be routed to the appropriate group for assistance and resolution.
How do I log into BearBuy?
You will need to use your CalNet ID/Passphase to log into BearBuy. The quick link to BearBuy is here. You can bookmark this page for future easy access to BearBuy.
How do I know which BearBuy form to use?
This link explains which form to use depending on the type of transaction. (Note: if you are seeking reimbursement for the purchase of an electronic device, such as a laptop or a tablet, you must complete this form and attach it to your Payment Request cart in BearBuy.)
How can I get help placing an order in BearBuy?
Please visit the ERSO Purchasing site for more information.
How do I get a new vendor set up for ordering in BearBuy?
Please contact us at physi-finance@lists.berkeley.edu with whatever information you have about the vendor, and we will assist you with getting them entered in the system.
Who do I contact to follow up on my purchase request?
After you submit your Shopping Cart it goes to the purchasing unit at Campus Shared Services. Please contact ersopurchasing@erso.berkeley.edu at ERSO for a status check of your order.
When is it necessary to fill out a source justification form?
If you're using Federal funds, then you need to fill out a source justification for any purchase of $5,000 or greater (not including tax and shipping). If the funds aren't Federal, then the threshold is $100,000. The most current version of the source justification form is here.
How do I take advantage of the California Partial Sales Tax Exemption?
Research labs can take advantage of a reduced sales tax rate on orders for inventorial equipment, including fabrications. The rules are explained fully at this link. If your order qualifies, fill out this form, which has the UC Berkeley permit number already filled in. Here is a guide that explains how to enter in BearBuy.
I'm ordering something from an overseas vendor, is there anything I can do to make the shipping go smoothly?
The University has a customs brokerage service, American Cargoservice, who can be of great assistance with getting foreign orders through customs in the quickest and most cost-efficient manner possible. The best way to make use of their help is to involve them during the quotation stage, so they can communicate with the vendor before the order is ready to ship. They can be reached at UC@acssan.com. This document gives more details on their processes.