Buying Computers

Purchasing procedures that cover all desktop and laptop computers bought with state funds at NC A&T State University:

To save money on IT purchases and support, take advantage of the combined purchasing power of the UNC System, and meet the requirements of North Carolina legislation, the UNC General Administration (UNC-GA) implemented a bulk IT purchasing program called the Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI). NC A&T State University, like all schools in the UNC system, is required to participate in this program.

For all purchases with state-appropriated funds, purchases must be made only from the approved CPI “Preferred Vendors”, which are currently HP (available in Aggie Mart through CDWG), Dell and Lenovo. All computer purchasers must be made in Aggie Mart where these 3 vendors have their most current CPI models. These models come pre-configured meeting CPI specifications and additional campus requirements, including business operating systems, 4-year warranties, and 4 years of anti-theft software.

Apple products may continue to be purchased; they are not yet part of the CPI program.  Campus purchasers not using state funds may also use this program.

If using state money, only purchases of these standard configurations are allowed, except when non-standard configurations are required for special research, teaching, or administrative needs -- all non-standard purchases must be approved by the Exceptions Committee. The exceptions form is available on this site and should be sent to efmckinney@ncat.edu when completed, accompanied by a letter from the respective academic department dean stating why the exception is needed.