Research, Scientific, and Medical (RSM) purchases are essential to UMass’s mission as a leading research institution.
What is RSM?
RSM stands for Research, Scientific, and Medical. It refers to a purchasing initiative aimed at strategically rebidding UMass’s lab supply contract across all campuses. This initiative focuses on improving pricing, expanding access to suppliers, and promoting consistent use of these resources throughout the university.
What's Included?
- Research & Lab Consumables: Reagents, labware, test kits, PPE, misc. other
- Medical Consumables: Nursing and Medical supplies
- Small equipment purchases (< $5K in value): Calibration and test equipment, meters, scopes, et al.
- On-site Lab “Supermarkets”: On-site inventory and Amherst and Chan Medical for quick shopping
Why Now?
- $16M+ targeted annual spend
- Existing contract expires June 30, 2026
- 10+ years since last standalone UMass bid
- Market has evolved with new suppliers and increased competition
Learn More
Smarter Lab Buying through Collaboration with Our Research Community
April 6, 2026
Researchers and labs told us what they need: better value, easier buying, and more choices. UPST is partnering with our research community on how we source lab supplies. Here's what's happening.
Coffee Hour: A Discussion with the UPST Strategic Sourcing Team
June 18, 2026
The UMPO Administration and Finance (A&F) Coffee Hour is hosted by the University of Massachusetts President’s Office A&F organization. These system-wide sessions provide our campus stakeholders the opportunity to gather new and operational information on procurement, travel, business expenses, treasury, and other A&F-related activities.
More information about the Research, Scientific and Medical (RSM) Purchases Initiative will be available soon, so check back often for updates. For questions, please reach out to A&Fsupport@umassp.edu.
Bid Committee Members
Project Lead: Bill Mannix, UPST Category Manager
- Amherst: Laura Vandenberg & Vicky Hubby
- Boston: Serena Wang
- Dartmouth: Doug Marshall
- Lowell: Dr. Mingli Hou
- Chan Medical School: Melvin Chan and Mike Lee
- President's Office: Dr. Gabriella Weaver