Strategic Procurement and Logistics collaborated with UC San Diego researchers to support an innovative event where faculty, staff, and students came together to build cost-effective Corsi-Rosenthal Box air filters. The project required rapid mobilization of our supply chain teams to research and source the components and supplies needed to build 200+ box filters (box fans, timers, filters, blue and gold duct tape) and deliver them to non-addressable locations on campus on a specific day and time. The DIY filters are now being used in lecture halls and labs across campus to improve indoor air quality, adding another layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19. The project was spearheaded by Dr. Kimberly Prather, professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The event took place in an outdoor classroom after Convocation.

Related news stories: Channel 8, UC San Diego News

Commodity Manager, Gary Oshima, recently assisted the Scripps Hydraulics Laboratory with a major request for proposal (RFP) to procure and build a wave tank - the first of its kind in the world. The Scripps Ocean Atmosphere Research Simulator (SOARS) is intended to replicate our seas today, accounting for the wind and waves, as well as offering atmospheric, biological, and thermal controls. SOARS will be used to study how the ocean and waves interact with the atmosphere, as well as the impact that has on oceanic life, weather, global warming, and the ocean chemistry. 

The RFP, which initially focused on just the purchase of equipment, accounted for all of the requirements and desired features of SOARS, without knowing what would actually be possible until construction began. As the scope evolved into a partial construction project, an LLC had to be established so a general contractor could join the team. The partnership of SIO, Planning, Design and Construction, and IPPS resulted in a savings of over $26K.

SOARS will be made available to scientists from around the world and IPPS was honored to be part of the process that made this happen.

Stock up on the KN95 masks recommended by UC San Diego to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and flu viruses this holiday season. 

Visit the Ordering PPE Blink page to view a list of PPE items and learn how to place orders via Oracle for your labs and offices: ofc.ucsd.edu.

UC San Diego employees can save up to 22% from Farmers GroupSelect^SM by either calling 1-866-700-3113 or getting an online quote.

Congratulations to the Procurement Card Team for receiving the Best-in-Class Award from US Bank at the 2021 Annual Card Product Conference for UC San Diego’s Virtual Card Program (Payment Plus). UC San Diego’s Payment Plus Program stands alone amongst all UC Campuses and Laboratories.

Payment Plus is UC San Diego’s preferred electronic method for issuing payments to payees. Payment Plus utilizes a Visa Commercial Card to offer payees a payment solution designed to accelerate payment receipt and electronic communications. Payment Plus offers reduced payment terms where supplier payments are at Net 0.

Payment Plus replaces UC San Diego’s outdated check and Direct Deposit ACH processes and delivers new benefits:

For questions about Payment Plus, contact the Procurement Card Team via the UC San Diego Services & Support portal.

Operations Manager

IPPS Logistics is pleased to announce the addition of our new Operations Manager, Scott Marko. Scott will oversee the Receiving and Distribution team, manage the Trade Street facility, and facilitate the evolution of our operation through significant upcoming changes. The Logistics 2.0 roadmap will have him working on the complete transition to a Carbon Neutral Last Mile, integration with Mail Services, as well as the installation and operation of a new 21st-century conveyor system to handle up to 2 million packages a year.

Scott has an extensive background in warehouse logistics, operations, and distribution. He worked his way up in the beverage industry over the last 17 years. Scott's career trajectory grew from a small regional Distribution Center in New Jersey to large-scale Warehouse and Distribution Center Management in several states with Coke and Pepsi. Most recently Scott oversaw 120 employees at the Pepsi Riverside facility.

During the interview process, Scott was extremely excited about joining IPPS and contributing to the mission and vision of UC San Diego. Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, watching NY Giants football, and is a comedy movie buff. He is a repository of funny movie quotes. Feel free to test him.

We are happy to have Scott as part of our team!

Maria plays an important role in helping researchers solve practical problems involving the procurement of goods and services. Maria joined the IPPS Procurement team focused on life science supplies, lab supplies, minor equipment and related commodities within Oracle.  Maria serves as the transactional and supplier point of contact within assigned commodity/service areas, and is also responsible for adoption and implementation of strategically sourced agreements. She will be processing requisitions in Oracle, directing requestors to appropriate University guidelines and policies as necessary. Welcome Maria!

Ryan graduated with a degree in English at Humboldt State University, located in the heart of Northern California’s Redwood country.  Ryan stayed to work at Humboldt State University full-time. In 2017, being a San Diego native, he relocated to UC San Diego and worked in Housing, Dining, and Hospitality. Ryan’s passion for financials quickly grew and developed during his time at HDH. Ryan’s new role will be providing front-line client relations as well as performing a variety of duties related to processes and polices governing Travel & Expense. Welcome Ryan!