91茄子视频 Software Request Process

 

Purchasing Software Overview

The Software Request Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Give Feedback

Helpful Resources


 

Purchasing Software: Overview

 

91茄子视频 has implemented a system-wide software review process in response to increased regulatory obligations relating to software and third party vendor risk management.  

 

Do you have questions about this process? Please visit our FAQ or contact us at ua-oit-grc@alaska.edu

 

 


The Process For Requesting Software

  Submit A Request
Submit your request through the Software Request Form. Make sure your request is as thorough and detailed as possible. Once the request is submitted, it will be reviewed by the applicable review groups.

  Wait & Watch TDX
Once your request is submitted, wait for it to be reviewed by the appropriate groups. Keep an eye on your ticket - if review groups need more information, the requestor will be contacted.

  Use Your Software
Once your software request is reviewed, if it is approved, you can go on to procure and use your new software for the intended use case.  The approval is for the business use case only. 

 

Software Details

 

Defined Exclusion List

In general, anything that is on the restricted purchase list in the  needs to be reviewed. Some exceptions have other Procurement Waiver requirements that are not addressed through this process such as copyright evaluations. Please contact Procurement at ua-card-main@alaska.edu if you need assistance. 

Defined Exclusions:

  • Stock photo services (iPhoto, Shutterstock, etc.)
  • Web hosting and design services (Web907, Wordpress, GoDaddy, etc.) 
    • May require a separate review outside of the Software Request process -  see above鈥�
    • 91茄子视频A has specific guidelines for web pages; please visit  for more information
  • Subscriptions to newspapers, journals, and streaming services (Spotify, Newsminer, Reuters, Westlaw, etc.)
    • Review required if streaming services prohibit classroom use or public display of content. 
  • Memberships in professional organizations (NACUBO, NCURA, etc.)
  • Network Hardware (Starlink, communication equipment, cellular services, etc.)
  • Firmware/Drivers/Operating Systems
  • Online training (LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, etc.)
    • Must NOT collect more than username/password
  • Data files, records, or database access

Documentation

Some requests require additional documentation. You may be asked to locate the following documents: 

  • Attestation of WCAG compliance for accessibility, usually found in a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template document. 
  • For foreign vendors (Tax Related), either the W8-BEN-E or a W-9. These documents relate to our regulatory requirement to address foreign tax witholding and must be reviewed at least annually.  See bottom of page for more information. 
  • For foreign vendors (Restricted Party Screening) please fill out the appropriate form for us to evaluate the export control, embargo, and trade sanction laws and regulations for the requested product. These must be reviewed any time a foreign purchase is made to ensure we are not doing business with a company that was recently placed on a restricted list.
    •  (Submission details are in the form)
    • 91茄子视频S can use either of the above - it will be routed appropriately. 

 


Frequently Asked Questions

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The university is obligated to review software to ensure its quality, security, and effectiveness in meeting the educational needs of students, staff,  and faculty. This review process is crucial to protect the integrity of academic work, safeguard personal and institutional data, and promote an efficient and productive learning environment. Furthermore, it ensures that the software aligns with the university鈥檚 mission and values, complies with legal and ethical standards, and provides equitable access and usability for all users. 

At this time we are not evaluating device drivers or device firmware.   

 

Currently all software requests must be reviewed. However, we are working to eliminate this requirement in an upcoming version. 

 

No, only those individuals named in the request will have access.

 

We are not currently monitoring the version of the software. Automatic updates are preferred because this is how the software developer improves their product and it's security. However, if you are aware of significant changes to its terms and conditions or its privacy policy, please notify your help desk.

 


For the purposes of this review process, we are concerned with the following types of software:

 

Application Software:  Application software is typically installed on your device. Examples of application software could be products such as AutoCAD, and Adobe Photoshop.


Software as a Service (SaaS):  Software as a service (SaaS) allows users to connect to and use cloud-based apps over the Internet, typically in a 鈥減ay as you go鈥� model. Examples include Asana, Slack, and Salesforce.

 

Current review groups that review every product:

  •  Accessibility Review
  • Contract/EULA/T&C Review 
  • IT Risk & Compliance Review
  • Foreign Company/Tax (foreign developer/vendor only)
  • Data Export Control Review (foreign developer/vendor only)

Current review groups that review only those products identified as containing sensitive data: 

  • Intellectual Property Review 
  • IRB/Human Subject Review
  • PCI-DSS Point of Sale Review

Follow the steps outlined in this .

If you're adding licenses to the same request, or 'true-upping' a product then an additional review is not necessary. The key to this is ensuring that the business use case, the department, or the contract language for the software has not changed from the original request. If it has changed significantly, a new request form will need to be submitted.

Yes, freeware and open source software need to be reviewed just the same as purchased software.

Once your request is approved, you will purchase the approved software. Then, you will need to contact the helpdesk to get your software installed. When you contact the helpdesk, please have your ticket number from the software request ready.

 

 


We Want To Hear From You!

 

Have you used the new software procurement process? Please fill out our feedback form!

 

If you still have questions, please email us at ua-oit-grc@alaska.edu 

 

 

 


 

 

Helpful Resources for Software Procurement                                                

 

Software procurement is regulated by both OIT ISA and 91茄子视频 Procurement.


Procurement resources that impact software procurement:

Procurement Website


Regulatory resources and policies that impact software procurement are:

Board of Regents Chapter VI - Procurement and Supply Management

91茄子视频 Accounting and Administrative Manual Section 400: Information Technology


Useful KB Articles for software procurement:


Best Practices related to software procurement are as follows:

    • Clearly describe the business use case. Why are you needing THIS particular software vs any other?

    • Clearly describe the type of information you'll be giving the software such as names, birthdays, grades, research data etc.

    • Ensure the contract administrator understands the role they're accepting. 



W-8BEN-E (For Foreign Entities)
Who uses it?
  • Foreign companies or organizations (not individuals) that receive payments from U.S. sources.
Why is it needed?
  • To tell the IRS:
    • 鈥淲e are a foreign entity.鈥�
    • 鈥淗ere鈥檚 our tax status.鈥�
    • 鈥淲e may qualify for reduced U.S. tax withholding under a tax treaty.鈥�
When is it used?
  • When a U.S. company pays a foreign entity for services or income.
  • Especially when the services are performed outside the U.S. (called Non-U.S. Source Income).
What happens without it?
  • The U.S. may withhold 30% of the payment for taxes.

W-9 (For U.S. Persons or Entities)
Who uses it?
  • U.S. citizens, residents, or U.S.-based companies.
Why is it needed?
  • To provide a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to the payer (like a business or client) so they can report payments to the IRS.
When is it used?
  • When a U.S. person or business is paid by another U.S. entity.
  • Common for freelancers, vendors, or contractors.