SPRING 2026

For a project as significant as the Watson Library Master Plan — a nearly $500K, high visibility investment — getting the scope of work (SOW) exactly right is essential. KU Procurement partnered closely with KU Libraries, Facilities, and our selected firm to make sure the engagement started on solid ground.

After awarding the RFP, the work shifted to crafting a tight, unambiguous SOW. Associate Chief Procurement Officer Melanie Ekeland led a series of detailed reviews and refinements with campus leaders and the supplier to capture every expectation, clarify responsibilities, and incorporate final changes before contract execution. A clearly defined scope of work is critical. A strong SOW reduces risk, prevents scope creep, protects KU’s resources, and ensures the project stays aligned with institutional goals. The result is a clear roadmap: defined deliverables, timelines, roles, milestones, and accountability, which is exactly what a project of this complexity requires.

The Watson Master Plan will help shape the future of our flagship library. With a disciplined scope of work in place, KU is positioned to deliver this effort on time, on budget, and on mission. If your unit is preparing a major project, KU Procurement is here to help you build it right from the start.

Strong Wi-Fi and network infrastructure are essential to powering the fan experience, mobile ticketing, streaming, and future digital upgrades at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. As the Booth moves into Phase 2,  Senior Procurement Officer Luke Raynor, building off his previous efforts for Phase 1, once again led the charge on Wi-Fi and network services, ensuring the project stayed competitive, efficient, and budget smart.

With budget pressure high, an RFP was issued for Phase 2, even as the incumbent from Phase 1 expressed interest. KU welcomed their bid and was pleased with their prior performance, but Luke knew the numbers still had to make sense. Through focused negotiation and strategic push-back, Luke secured a $125,498 reduction, generating a 9.5% savings for the university. This win not only puts the stadium project on better financial footing, but also demonstrates how Procurement ensures continuity with trusted suppliers while still protecting KU’s bottom line. Another smart finish for KU, and another successful drive down the field for Procurement.

At KU Procurement, we’re always looking for ways to work smarter and deliver even more value to campus. We’re now using artificial intelligence to elevate every step of the sourcing process.  AI isn’t replacing our people, it’s expanding what’s possible across the procurement lifecycle.

AI tools scan vast supplier networks and surface the best options in seconds, helping us reach the right partners faster, especially in niche categories.

AI reviews and compares contract language, flags risks, and helps us tighten terms with our suppliers during the contract redlining process.

We now use AI to generate high quality RFP questions, evaluation criteria, and risk checks. And with procurement specific tools like Beacon Bid, we can build stronger RFPs, search similar public solicitations, improve RFP naming to attract better bidders, and conduct market research and supplier targeting. This all means faster turnaround for academic and administrative units.

AI summarizes supplier proposals, highlights key differences, and helps our evaluators focus on what matters most: value, fit, and risk.

AI gives us deeper insights into cost models, market rates, and supplier patterns so we can negotiate more effectively, just as we do today across complex categories.

AI helps Procurement deliver faster cycle times, better-aligned suppliers, more consistent competition, stronger contracts, clearer pricing insights, and more value for every KU dollar. And like all our large, complex purchases — from stadium Wi-Fi upgrades to campus master planning — AI is helping us serve KU with even greater speed, accuracy, and impact.  

If your unit is planning a purchase and wants to see what AI enabled procurement can do, submit a new Procurement Request through the Finance Service Portal. We're ready to partner with you!

As KU advances its One KU technology strategy, a modern identity management backbone is crucial. KU IT needed an Identity Warehouse — or “Identity Context Engine” — capable of managing nearly 300,000 identities across alumni, faculty, staff, students, and employees. Procurement Officer Luke Raynor led the RFP that would determine this foundational system.

The competition was strong: nine bidders, narrowed to three finalists after demos, deep evaluations, and reference calls with peers at Vanderbilt and Boston University. The front-running supplier’s initial proposal came in high, but Luke saw room to sharpen it. After rigorous negotiation, Luke secured a $425,415 reduction, a full 30% savings. The impact was that the delta between the winning offer and the runner up shrank from 46% to just 2%, ensuring KU chose the right solution based on value not just price.

This effort delivers a cost effective identity platform aligned with KU’s long term IAM roadmap while strengthening the digital foundation for all campuses under One KU.

Senior Procurement Officer Ramia Whitecotton recently delivered a powerful One KU win by unifying Sigma Aldrich contracts across KU Lawrence and KU Medical Center, unlocking stronger discounts and better terms for researchers at both campuses.

During her annual pricing review, Ramia pulled combined spend for both campuses and asked Sigma to treat KU as a single customer rather than two separate accounts. That request raised eyebrows and led to a joint meeting, where KU learned that KU Medical Center had its own separate contract with different pricing, even though it was supposed to fall under the KU Lawrence agreement.

Ramia brought both campuses and the supplier together, resulting in:

By consolidating volumes and insisting on truly One KU treatment, Ramia turned a routine review into a strategic sourcing win, reducing costs, improving consistency, and strengthening the value of every research dollar.

This is another example of how Procurement delivers more when KU acts as one.

KU Procurement is thrilled to announce three well deserved promotions, each reflecting our commitment to professional development, career pathing, and succession planning.

Known for her white glove service, unwavering team-first attitude, and willingness to step in wherever needed, Carey Keo has been promoted from Purchasing Agent to Procurement Officer. Carey consistently goes above and beyond to support campus partners, tackles new challenges without hesitation, and brings an exceptional level of professionalism to every interaction. Her eagerness to learn, grow, and expand her capabilities makes her an ideal fit for this next step as she begins supporting a wider portfolio of units and categories.

Luke Raynor has been promoted to Senior Procurement Officer after a series of high impact wins supporting KU IT. Technology sourcing is one of Procurement’s most complex arenas, with intricate software licensing and vendor practices that demand extra diligence and strong negotiation skills. Luke has repeatedly brought clarity to these challenging categories, cutting through complexity, challenging unclear terms, and securing excellent outcomes for KU. His steady leadership and ability to manage fast-moving IT needs have made him a trusted partner across campus, and he will continue driving key technology initiatives in his expanded role.

Known for her proactive approach and willingness to always go above and beyond, Ramia Whitecotton has been promoted to Senior Procurement Officer. Ramia steps into a new focus area — operations and facilities — with deep insights from her earlier years working in KU Facilities. Since joining Procurement three years ago, she has consistently anticipated needs, stayed steps ahead on complex projects, and delivered exceptional support to campus partners. Her dedication, initiative, and institutional knowledge make her an outstanding fit for this elevated role.

These promotions highlight what makes KU Procurement special: our Procurement Pros! We invest in our people, grow future leaders, and build a team ready to support KU’s mission for years to come. Please join us in congratulating Carey, Luke, and Ramia on their achievements!

This is just a glimpse of how Procurement can be your strategic partner in driving value for your department and the university. Visit the Finance Service Portal today, and let us know how we can help.

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