Effective July 1, 2023, OU Procurement is adopting the (North American Industry Classification System) (NAICS codes) for supplier engagement and procurement activities. NAICS codes are a standardized classification system used to categorize businesses based on their economic activities.
For Suppliers. NAICS codes help suppliers by providing OU Procurement with a clear understanding of suppliers’ goods and services. By using NAICS codes, suppliers can enhance their visibility and increase their chances of being identified for relevant procurement opportunities.
For OU Procurement. NAICS codes are employed to streamline supplier identification, conduct market research, and facilitate consistent and structured supplier engagement. By using NAICS codes, OU Procurement can efficiently identify qualified suppliers, analyze market trends, and ensure accurate specifications in solicitations and contracts. This enables more effective procurement decision-making, enhances supplier visibility, and fosters a standardized approach to supplier engagement.
Code Structure. NAICS codes consist of six digits. The first two digits represent the sector level, which broadly groups related industries. The third digit represents the subsector level, providing a more detailed breakdown. The fourth and fifth digits represent industry groups and industries, respectively. Finally, the sixth digit is used for national industries or particular segments within an industry.
For example, the NAICS code 238160 is “Roofing Contractors.” The first two digits (23) indicate the Construction section. The third digit (8) indicates the “Specialty Trade Contractors” subsector. The remaining digits (160) indicate the specific trade.
The below table provides a general overview of NAICS sector codes. There are subsectors within the sector. For more detailed information, please refer to the official NAICS website (https://www.naics.com/) or the official NAICS manual.
| Sector Code | Sector Name | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting | Establishments involved in crop production, forestry, and fishing |
| 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Businesses engaged in mining and extraction of natural resources |
| 22 | Utilities | Companies providing basic utilities such as electricity and gas |
| 23 | Construction | Firms involved in building construction and related activities |
| 31-33 | Manufacturing | Production of goods through processing, assembly, or fabrication |
| 42 | Wholesale Trade | Wholesale distribution of goods to retailers or other businesses |
| 44-45 | Retail Trade | Businesses involved in the sale of goods directly to consumers |
| 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Companies providing transportation and storage of goods |
| 51 | Information | Publishing, broadcasting, telecommunications, and data services |
| 52 | Finance and Insurance | Banking, investment, insurance, and related financial services |
| 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Rental and leasing of real estate and tangible assets |
| 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Consulting, scientific research, and technical expertise |
| 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Corporate management and holding companies |
| 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Support services for businesses and waste management |
| 61 | Educational Services | Schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions |
| 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Medical services, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services |
| 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Performing arts, museums, sports, and other recreational services |
| 72 | Accommodation and Food Services | Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments |
| 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Miscellaneous services not classified elsewhere |
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) U.S. Census Bureau
Contact SupplierRelations@ou.edu and request a Supplier Invitation.
Contact SupplierRelations@ou.edu and request a Supplier Invitation.
Yes. Beginning July 1, 2023, all Suppliers must register in the OU Supplier Portal to do business with the University. If you have a question or need assistance, see the Supplier Registration Walkthrough on our website or contact SupplierRelations@ou.edu.
Yes. It is a valid email sent from us. You received the email because you have previously done business with the University or the University is inviting you to do business.
Yes. The Invitation to Register was sent to the email we have on file. If you have a question or need assistance, there is a Supplier Registration Walkthrough on our website or contact SupplierRelations@ou.edu.
Yes. Beginning July 1, 2023, all Suppliers must register on the OU Supplier Portal, our new Procurement system to participate in new bids or solicitations.
You are only required to answer the questions marked with an asterisk (*). However, the more information you provide the easier it is for OU to identify your business.
When conducting business with the University, a Supplier can expect that we will:
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
Act with integrity and openness
Demonstrate fairness and transparency in our dealings with individuals and organizations
Disclose any actual and perceived conflicts of interest
Encourage fair and open competition while seeking value for money and innovative solutions
Adopt procurement processes to make it easy to do business
Publish details of contracts awarded as required by law
Protect and prevent the release of confidential information
Not seek, or accept, any financial or non-financial benefits from potential, current, or past suppliers
Respond to reasonable requests for advice and information
Investigate complaints
When conducting business with the University, we expect that you will:
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and good business practices
Ensure third parties acting on your behalf comply with this Code
Act with integrity and openness
Conduct business in an ethical and safe manner
Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest
Meet contractual obligations
pay your suppliers/contractors on time
Protect and prevent the release of confidential information
Ensure the security and proper use of University information, property, and materials
Not offer University employees any financial or non-financial benefits
Respond to reasonable requests for advice and information
Report breaches of this Code to the University
University Procurement (also referred to as the Purchasing Department) oversees the strategic direction and operational efficiency of procurement activities for the entire OU system, including the Norman, Health Sciences Center, and Tulsa campuses. Such activities include administering all steps of the procurement cycle, covering core procurement actions such as market analysis, sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship management for goods and services. University Procurement is responsible for developing appropriate procurement policies and processes addressing these procurement activities to provide the University community, including faculty, staff, students, and potential suppliers, with the essential information and steps for making procurement-related decisions.
University Procurement has three primary objectives:
