Institution FAQs

What is GeM?

GeM is an online contracts database available to higher education and further education institutions that belong to a national purchasing consortia.  GeM allows users to search and view details of approved suppliers within their local, national and regional agreements.  It allows users to:

- Search and view suppliers catalogues
- Request a quote from a sole or multiple suppliers

GeM also has an optional e-Marketplace which institutions can implement to allow staff with delegated administrative rights to purchase items with the use a Purchase card (P-card). The e-marketplace is open to everyone but can be switched off should your institution not require this service.

Who manages GeM?

GeM is jointly managed by JISC Procureweb and @UK. Supplier adoption is managed by Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC).

Who can use GeM?

All HE and FE institutions who are members of regional purchasing consortia have access to the contracts database. Registered associated members of national consortia such as museums and libraries can also use GeM.

What will GeM cost my institution?

GeM is free at point of use for all HE and FE institutions who are members of, or associated to, regional purchasing consortia. If you have over 50 local contracts stored on the system a charge may be incurred. Please contact JISC Procureweb on either 02920 870333 or team@procureweb.ac.uk for further information.

How do I log into GeM?

Information on the log in process is available here. 

I tried to set up an account on GeM but have just received an e-mail saying that someone within my institution would approve it.  This individual has left the institution.  What should I do?

Please contact support@ukplc.net informing them that the GeM administrator contact needs to be updated.  Where possible please provide details of the replacement including their name, address, email and telephone.

What training is available?

The GeM website has a number of training videos which will be of use for basic information.

To date we have held a number of training sessions and details of forthcoming sessions are available here.

We also run webinar training sessions which can be set up as per demand and tailored to specific aspects to meet your requirements. Should you wish to set up a training session please contact @UK on either 0118 963 7052 or support@ukplc.net.

Where can I find out more about using GeM?

Detailed User Guides are available here.

Which suppliers are on GeM?

A list of the suppliers on GeM can be found here.

What if my institution uses a supplier who is not on GeM?

Talk to your supplier about GeM, what it is, how you use the system and why it would benefit them to be on the system.  Then put them in touch with the GeM supplier adoption team on either supplieradoption@reading.ac.uk or 0118 935 7081.

We already use our suppliers online catalogue. How will this work with GeM?

You will be able to punch out directly into a suppliers catalogue and bring your purchases back into the GeM shopping basket.

What controls are in place for use of Corporate Purchase Cards?

GeM is a secure platform with all the appropriate online anti-fraud controls.  GeM will recognise which cards are valid and will verify plus allow for a 3D security process if required.  Additionally, any card profiles in place such as spend by transaction, total spend and merchant category controls will apply before an order is accepted.

Can I only use a Corporate Purchase Card to buy on GeM?

Yes. No alternative procurement process will be allowed. Also private credit cards will not be allowed

Is there a request for quote facility?

This is currently being developed and will be available soon.

My question isn’t answered here, who can I contact?

Please contact @UK on either 0118 963 7052 or support@ukplc.net