RIT Furniture Standards Guidelines
The Purchasing Department has developed standards and recommendations to assist you with the procurement of your office furniture requirements. These standards have been developed to assure you of exceptional quality and service while ensuring functionality and efficient use of Institute funds.
The RIT furniture manufacturer has been selected based on their commitment to the RIT furniture standards. The manufacturer is Steelcase*, purchased through their supplier, Merkel Donohue. Within the Steelcase line, we have standardized on desks, and sytems furniture along with many different models of seating. They have agreed to and support the following:
- Pricing agreements established by RIT Purchasing for pricing.
- Deliver/install, clean, inspect furniture and remove cardboard and trash (this does not include removal of existing furnishings or furniture).
- Furniture design service and office space planning included.
- Support and samples in the RIT Ergonomics lab, CIMS room 2160
Things to remember when purchasing furniture:
- On your requisition indicate the location, building, room number, contact person and telephone number for delivery and installation.
- Manufacturer name, part number and item description should be listed for each item. All finishes, fabrics and options must be listed for each item.
- Provide a desired delivery date.
- Typical leadtime for furniture orders is 6 to 8 weeks.
- After receipt of the items ordered, check immediately for correctness and damages. Report any discrepancies to the dealer immediately.
- Furniture is made to order and is not returnable. Once a purchase order is placed with the manufacturer, it cannot be cancelled.
- Purchasing also does not carry an inventory of new furniture. There is, at times, small surplus of used furniture available in the Building 99 warehouse. If you are interested in viewing the items, contact either the Receiving or the Purchasing Department.
*Although the majority of the standards will be Steelcase, we realize that there may be reason to use other Merkel Donohue lines of furniture for special situations such as executive furniture, lounges and custom set ups. These special situations will be handled on a case by case basis through Merkel Donohue.
Disposal or Removal of Existing Furniture:
As part of your planning for new furniture in your department, whether it be for a renovation or new construction, you must notify Merkel Donohue of any existing furniture that is no longer needed. Furniture that is to be scrapped must be taken to an off-campus disposal facility. Furniture that is considered surplus and still useable, must be moved to building 99. There may be an additional charge for this service and the charge will be added to your proposal and/or invoice. FMS is not responsible for removing the old furniture.
