Message from the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer
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Todd Adams
Deputy Chief Procurement Officer
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In uncertain times, we have a unique opportunity to showcase our value, resilience, and innovation. The recent discussions surrounding the proposed 15% indirect cost rate cap at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have raised concerns across the higher education research community. If implemented, this cap could significantly impact the University of California system’s Facilities and
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Administrative (F&A) funding, affecting hundreds of millions of dollars that support research infrastructure. However, rather than seeing this solely as a challenge, we at IPPS also view it as an opportunity - one that allows us to further highlight the costs of conducting high-quality research while demonstrating our ability to innovate and adapt.
At IPPS, we have always been at the forefront of administrative innovation at UC San Diego, offering solutions that turn challenges into opportunities. We are constantly evolving to provide smarter, more efficient services that support the university’s mission, even amidst uncertainty.
As we navigate shifting research funding landscapes, the role of our supply chain in ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency has never been more critical. By refining our processes and embracing innovative solutions, we can help ensure that UC San Diego continues to lead in research, education, and economic growth.
The strength of this institution lies in its people - your dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence make all the difference. Let’s continue to embrace challenges as opportunities, reinforcing UC San Diego’s reputation for collaboration, innovation, and progress.
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New Concur Travel Booking Experience
Enhanced Features, Fewer Clicks, Better Experience
The New Concur Travel Booking Experience is now live! The recent Concur update marks a significant overhaul of the travel platform. This change was necessary to keep up with the evolving travel industry and technological advancements, as well as to address traveler feedback and provide a better experience for both admins and travelers.
The new platform features a user-focused booking experience with a refreshed interface, fewer clicks in the booking and checkout process, and expanded search and filtering capabilities, including sustainable travel options. The intuitive workflow accurately reflects costs and provides the necessary information for informed choices, with consistent content between desktop and mobile platforms.
This change aims to provide travelers with better experiences and flexibility while keeping up with travel industry changes and advancements.
Refer to our help resources to learn more about the new platform:
- Company Notes in the Concur (SSO login) system home page
- Announcements, reminders, and links
- Dedicated Blink website for Concur Updates
- Virtual Instructor-Led Training course
- See dates for UC San Diego Travel: Before You Go via UC Learning
- Knowledge Base content, video, email announcements, in-system WalkMe guidance, and more!
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Small Business Development Office
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Cutting-edge Drone Technology
Drone Window Washing Services at Tata Hall
In November, Spraytech brought their cutting-edge drone technology to Tata Hall, performing three days of high-floor exterior window cleaning coordinated by Facilities Management (FM). This California-based window cleaning company uses remote-operated drones and deionized water to deliver streak-free results while reducing their environmental impact with non-toxic cleaning solutions. The Facilities Management Procurement team is working closely with Spraytech, connecting them with our Small Business Development Office (SBDO) and sharing resources to help them achieve small business certification, opening doors to more opportunities with public entities.
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Campus Partnership Program Highlight
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Building Stronger University Supplier Partnerships
How to Cultivate Meaningful Supplier Relationships Beyond the Transaction
Greg Muller, Director of Strategic Sourcing and Campus Partnerships, shares innovative approaches to cultivating stronger supplier partnerships and how these strategic relationships can further support the university’s vision and community in the Smart Business Buying podcast hosted by Amazon Business. Listen to the podcast.
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1,667,000 lbs. of Material Diverted from Landfill
Thank You for Your Support!
Surplus Sales is UC San Diego's sustainable resource for refurbishing and reselling university surplus. In 2024, your support helped divert over a million and a half pounds of surplus material from landfills.
Thank you for your continued support in 2025! Every purchase strengthens UC San Diego’s commitment to sustainability. Visit surplus.ucsd.edu to shop online and see what's 'new' at Surplus Sales. Check out the Surplus Legacy page to learn more about our eco-friendly programs and initiatives that support world-class education and research.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Surplus Sales Secondhand News for the latest updates on new arrivals, sustainability efforts, and more.
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Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
See What's "New" at Surplus Sales
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Matrix Stationary Bike
Get a fresh start this spring - upgrade your workout with a Matrix exercise bike. Whether you want a comfortable ride or an intense spin, these durable machines have you covered. Pedal into spring stronger than ever!
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Black Vinyl Sofa
Refresh your space with this modern black leather sofa - perfect for relaxing in style. Its sleek design and sturdy build make it a great fit for any home or office. Upgrade your comfort this season!
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Lynda Ta
By Lauryn Lin
Bridging Procurement, Sustainability, and Passion
This quarter's IPPSter Spotlight is all about Lynda Ta, our Bid Process & Sustainability Specialist for IPPS. She began her journey at UC San Diego studying Economics and was a student employee for the
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Services Procurement team, where she started her career processing requisitions and drafting agreements. Upon graduating in 2018, Lynda quickly distinguished herself and dove into Strategic Sourcing.
Her expertise in CalUsource (a platform used for sourcing, contracting, and spend analysis) has been transformative. She manages over 30 annual RFPs (Request for Proposal) with suppliers across diverse departments, including IPPS, Real Estate, and Health. She has helped guide the Enterprise Systems Renewal and Student Information System projects. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has been instrumental in groundbreaking initiatives such as sustainable cold-chain shipping, demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental responsibility.
Recognition has followed Lynda's innovative work. She presented at the National Association of Educational Procurement and the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council. She's collaborated with industry giants like Amazon to publish an online guide on sustainable purchasing and partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to have our labs recycle pipette tips. Her crucial contributions helped secure the AASHE STARS platinum award for the university - the highest sustainability rating. She was also nominated for a Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council award, demonstrating how Lynda continually pushes the boundaries of procurement efficiency.
Lynda's story extends far beyond sustainable practices and strategic plans. She has quite an adventurous spirit and loves to travel. She recently went on a snowboarding trip in Japan and will hike the Havasupai Trail in Arizona later this year. Her culinary skills match her love for travel - Lynda is a pasta enthusiast who loves crafting fresh Pappardelle and Cascatelli. Another fun fact is that she loves to crochet and creates her own outfits when she goes to see live music!
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Looking towards future growth with an MBA on the horizon, Lynda embodies the perfect blend of strategic thinking and personal passion. From managing complex procurement processes to walking her cat, Oliver, hosting vibrant parties and weddings, and exploring global music festivals, Lynda proves that true professional excellence is about embracing life in all its complex, colorful dimensions. As she plans her new and exciting adventures, she continues to champion sustainable practices and live life with creativity.
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Gift Cards Go Digital
Accounts Payable Highlight
Congratulations to the Accounts Payable team for bringing to life the top gift card enhancement request for campus clients - digital gift cards! Two new digital gift card payment options went live in January and have been a gift to campus clients who no longer need to spend time and resources picking up physical cards after waiting for them to arrive in our office.
Additional benefits of digital gift cards include:
- Reduced risk: Less cash and card handling means fewer losses and greater security.
- Faster fulfillment: No shipping delays—cards are delivered instantly.
- Lower administrative burden: Say goodbye to managing physical card inventory and the risk of expired, unused cards.
Visit the Gift Card Options Blink page for resources and guidance on how to use digital gift cards for human subjects compensation and employee/non-employee gifts and awards.
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Kacy Marume
Director of Marketing & Communications
Congratulations to Kacy Marume, who has been selected to lead the new Residential Retail & Supply Chain (RRSS) Marketing and Communications team. We're excited for her and the team, which brings together marketing and communications talent from across the RRSS portfolio. We're happy she won't be going too far, and we're looking forward to everything the team will be doing on behalf of all the RRSS units!
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Tom Swank
Payment Services Coordinator
Payment Services is happy to announce that Tom Swank has joined our team! Tom's new role as a Payment Services Coordinator will focus on all non-payroll-related payments for UC San Diego Campus. In this role, Tom will provide payment problem resolution/troubleshooting and client service needs from our payees and campus partners. Payments include checks, direct deposit (ACH), gift cards, and wires. Tom has extensive experience in the invoice/Non-PO side of the house, which will be instrumental for our team.
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