A new vendor partnership between Harvard and Office Environments of New England promises to help make buying office furniture cheaper and easier.

Office Environments of New England was selected, after a bidding process, by a committee representing many areas of the University. The committee noted that HarvardÕs collaborative buying power will yield discounts for Steelcase and other popular manufacturers; Office Environments is the largest dealer of Steelcase office furniture in New England.

One of the features of the new relationship is the "Fast Furniture Program,Ó which will reduce the average time for office furniture delivery from a matter of weeks to just three business days.

The desks, chairs, file cabinets, tables, and keyboard trays offered include the most popular styles and colors at Harvard and several ergonomic and fire-coded options, all fully warrantied. An excellent high-quality, low-cost alternative Ñ the Turnstone line Ñ is also part of the program. To find out more, call 495-7900 and press 3. Descriptions, pictures and prices of items selected in the Fast Furniture Program are now available; a Web site is coming soon.

The program staff includes Kate Foley and Valerie Hobbs, furniture specialists from the Procurement Management Department, who can assist with the selection, design, layout, and purchase of office furniture. They also can coordinate furniture requirements with architects and general contractors on major University projects.

Or, one can deal directly with Office Environments Ñ Jeff Milne, the partnership account manager, or Peggy MacDonald, customer service representative. To contact any team member, call 495-7900.

In addition to the agreement with Office Environments, Harvard selected Creative Office Pavilion as an auxiliary vendor to provide the Herman Miller and Meridian furniture lines.

 

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Copyright 1998 President and Fellows of Harvard College