USC suppliers must meet certain minimum criteria and will only be invited to apply at the request of a USC department. The university does not accept unsolicited supplier applications.
Suppliers who engage with USC on a limited basis (such as guest speakers, artists or lecturers; tenure or academic manuscript referees; or nonrecurring seminar/workshop leaders) will complete a short application. All other types of suppliers will complete a longer application. Based on the type of goods and/or services provided, invited suppliers will receive access information via email from USC Supplier Data Management Services to the appropriate online application.
Minimum criteria
All suppliers must:
- Maintain a physical street address for business purposes (however, a post office box is acceptable for remittances)
- Have a Federal Employer Identification or Social Security number (foreign suppliers may be exempt)
- Pass the screening process, including Taxpayer Identification Number verification and validation against the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Restricted Party Screening databases
Most suppliers must also:
- Have been in business for at least two years (independent contractors may be exempt)
- Carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence (independent contractors may be exempt), automobile liability coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence (if supplier drives on campus property/may be waived in certain instances) and Workers’ Compensation coverage (if required by law).
In addition to the minimum criteria, suppliers must also agree to abide by university policies and procedures as well as all applicable state and federal laws.
Caterers, construction suppliers, photographers, printers and all suppliers working with a healthcare unit at USC must meet additional criteria relevant to your business.