A supplier selected by the University (usually through an open public tender process) on the basis that they provide the best value for money for a particular category of goods or services. Preferred Suppliers must be used in preference to any other supplier and purchases can be made without obtaining any additional quotes. Steve Pelham, Strategic Procurement

Supplier that has agreed to work with Affiliated Distributors in creating business opportunities with our membership. A limited number of Preferred Suppliers are invited to work with our organization. The Supplier selection process is driven by A-D's Product Committees.

A designation purchasing gives to a supplier(s) and special pricing or service has been negotiated. The primary means of leveraging the full buying power of the university.