UCSD's furniture buyer, Brant Yancey, has been with UCSD Purchasing for more than 20 years, and has been the primary furniture buyer since 1996. He can assist you with all your furniture questions. His best advice: "Look at quality, need, and cost, all of which equal value." Be sure to contact Brant, (858) 534-6721, whenever you are preparing to buy furniture.

To view and order furniture products online, please visit these Web sites: Steelcase@Marketplace Preview and BKM@UCSD.

Space planning: Asking key questions can help you order furniture that's best for your workspace. Will the furniture you want fit into the space you have? What type of furniture is best for your type of work? Will you need to move your furniture in the future? You can either answer these questions on your own or during the ordering process with Steelcase (through BKM) or another vendor.

Budget planning: Matching your furniture choices with your budget can be a challenge. You'll often get the most for your money by working with a designer during the ordering process with either Steelcase (through BKM) or another vendor. If you are not sure of your budget, ask for a budgetary quote before obtaining an order-ready quote.

Ergonomics: Office furniture is something you'll use every workday for a very long time. That's why it's so important to consider ergonomics. Explore this topic with your designer, either Steelcase (through BKM) or another vendor. You can also explore this topic at Marketplace Preview Ergonomic Solutions.

Marketplace Preview: When you need single furniture items or furniture for a small project, check the Marketplace Preview. Marketplace Preview stocks a selected supply of items such as chairs, file cabinets, bookcases, keyboard platforms, and ergonomic accessories.

Steelcase contract: On Sept. 1, 2001, the University of California finalized a contract with Steelcase, Inc. According to the contract, when you buy the following types of furniture, you must buy Steelcase products only:

• Tables
• Chairs
• Filing cabinets
• Free-standing steel and laminate desks
  
• Bookcases
• Paneled office systems
• Task chairs and side chairs

Most stock items you order can be delivered on the next working day.

Note: Selected Steelcase product lines are available through Steelcase@Marketplace Preview.

Other types of furniture may be purchased from either Steelcase or other vendors. Please see Furniture Overview for details.

Furniture quality: The quality of furniture varies among manufacturers, and cost is directly related to quality. When you buy furniture for UCSD, it must be a commercial or institutional grade so it can withstand the daily use in your workplace. Choose finishes and construction materials that will enhance the life cycle of your furniture. Always avoid furniture that contains particleboard.

Delivery time for Steelcase furniture: Check Timetable/ Lead Time for general information on how long it will take to receive your furniture. If you wish to reduce the delivery time, ask your BKM representative about the Steelcase Express 12 program.

If you have questions about the process of ordering furniture, please contact Brant Yancey in Purchasing, (858) 534-6721.