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Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom

 

The Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom (DSSS) opened on May 20, 2015, consolidating the former Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics stockrooms — along with the Excise Tax Free Ethanol Program — into a single, centrally managed resource. University-owned and operated, the stockroom is supported by Unity Lab Services for inventory management. Our catalog is continually expanded with new suppliers and products, and we offer flexible purchasing options, including individual units for customers with limited storage needs. We are committed to helping researchers and lab staff make the most of their budgets. Orders may be picked up at our location in Chevron Science Center, or delivered to your building usually by the next business day.

Why order from the DSS Stockroom?

The Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom (DSSS) is an internal University of Pittsburgh supplier—meaning purchases are interdepartmental charges exempt from indirect cost rates under most grant conditions (OMB Circular A-21).

Key Benefits

  • Aggregate savings of 20–25% over standard list pricing
  • Over 1,800 of the most frequently purchased scientific consumables, chemicals, and office/janitorial supplies in stock
  • Same-day pickup available for orders approved before 4:30 PM; next-day delivery on most items
  • Subcode 6088 purchases are exempt from indirect cost (overhead) fees on sponsored project awards
  • No restocking or return fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the punchout look like Fisher Scientific’s?

The DSSS operates with inventory management support from Unity Lab Services (ThermoFisher). The PantherExpress punchout is integrated with Fisher’s ULS system, which is why the interface mirrors the Fisher Scientific punchout. You are still ordering from the DSSS.

What subcode must I use?

Always use subcode 6088 (Interdepartmental Non-Overhead Bearing Supplies). Requisitions using any other subcode are automatically rejected by PantherExpress.

To activate a new account with the 6088 subcode, email: accountrequests@cfo.pitt.edu with the full 32-digit account number. Activation takes 60–90 minutes.

Can I mix DSSS items with items from other suppliers in one cart?

No. Because of the 6088 subcode restriction, DSSS items must be checked out in their own cart. Mixing suppliers will cause your order to fail. Every supplier requires a separate shopping cart.

How do I order dry ice or liquid nitrogen?

These are self-service items—obtain the product first, then pay.

  1. Go to the cryogen storage center and safely collect what you need (bring PPE and appropriate containers).
  2. Log in to PantherExpress, open the DSSS punchout, and select the *Cryogenics (N2, CO2) Self Service hotlist.
  3. Enter the quantity obtained in whole pounds—round up half-pounds—and submit.
Can I have items delivered?

Most items can be delivered by Pitt drivers (the University’s preferred method). A handling fee applies and appears on your purchase order. Dry ice, liquid nitrogen, high-pressure gas cylinders (Safety Net), and 20-liter acetone refills cannot be delivered.

How do I pick up instead of receiving delivery?

After your cart is returned to PantherExpress, click on Delivery Fee: United States under Supplier Details and change it to Chevron: United States (or Langley Station: United States). The handling fee will drop to $0. Note: once an order is submitted as a delivery, the handling fee cannot be refunded.

I can’t find an item I previously ordered. What should I do?

Enter the old DSSS part number in the Rapid Order by Catalog Number field to locate the current catalog number. You may also keyword-search or browse the Company Lists hotlists. Contact the stockroom at stockroom@pitt.edu for further assistance.

Can I add a note to my order?

Internal notes (visible to account approvers and department buyers only) may be added. Do not use external notes—they signal an error and will delay your order.

How do I return an item?

Complete a Return Request Form or email your to stockroom@pitt.edu. Do not return items without written authorization. No restocking or return shipping fees are charged. Returns are processed within one week of receipt, and credit appears on your next ledger report. The original purchasing account must be credited.

Are DSSS purchases subject to indirect cost rates on grants?

Not under most circumstances. The DSSS is classified as a Specialized Service Center under OMB Circular A-21. Purchases charged to subcode 6088 are exempt from indirect cost rates on Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) for all entity 05 federal and non-federal sponsored project awards.

How to Order

Step 1: Access PantherExpress

Log in to my.pitt.edu, complete Duo authentication, and click The PantherExpress System tile. If it is not visible, click See More. If you do not have PantherExpress access, view the DSSS catalog and relay your request to your department buyer; for questions regarding account activation, contact accountrequests@cfo.pitt.edu.

Step 2: Open the DSSS Punchout

From the PantherExpress Shopping Dashboard, scroll to the Internal (University) Suppliers section and click the Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom tile. The punchout opens on the Fisher Scientific platform as DSSS inventory is managed through Fisher’s ULS system.

Step 3: Add Items to Cart

Two methods are available:

  • Hotlists (recommended): Click My Hotlists → Company Lists tab. Lists are searchable, and organized by supply type and brand. Enter a quantity and click Add to Cart, then Add All Items to Cart.
  • Rapid Order by Catalog Number: Click Order By Catalog Number in the top-right corner. Enter catalog numbers line by line, select the correct unit (Each vs. Case), enter quantities, and click Add Items to Cart.

Step 4: Return Cart and Check Out

  • Click Return Cart to Purchasing Application, then Submit to transfer your cart to PantherExpress.
  • Click Proceed to Checkout.
  • In Internal Notes and Attachments, enter your account number with subcode 6088 (Interdept Non-Overhead Bearing Supplies). Orders using any other subcode will be automatically returned.
  • Choose delivery method: leave as Delivery Fee: United States for delivery by Pitt drivers (handling fee applies), or change to Chevron: United States for free pickup at 326 Chevron Science Center.
  • Click Submit Requisition.

Pickup Location & Hours

326 Chevron Science Center (3rd Floor)
219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Open: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Allow 30 minutes after the ULS confirmation email before picking up. Orders approved after 4:45 PM are processed the next business day.

 

Ordering

To order from the DSS Use the DSS Punch-out on PantherExpress via myPitt.  

We'll wait on supplies so you don't have to!

Tariff charges/tariff prices

  • We're updating prices in real time to reflect ice/special packaging charges, shipping, and tariff surcharges, including tariff cost pass-throughs.

 

Ethanol / Ethyl Alcohol

The University of Pittsburgh Federal Excise Tax-Free Ethanol Program

Tax-free alcohol is un-denatured alcohol used for non-beverage purposes in scientific research and medicinal uses by educational organizations, hospitals, laboratories, etc. The use of alcohol free of tax is regulated to prevent illegal diversion to taxable beverage use.

200 Proof means the liquid is 100% Ethanol. 190 Proof, means it is a 95% Ethanol solution where the other 5% is Water.

Keep the spigot provided with your ethanol square container. Replacement spigots are available at $5 and $5 shipping using stockroom part number H2955EA.

Order in the PantherExpress System, Please go to the Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom punchout.  Click the My Hotlists link in the DSS Stockroom homepage, under My Lists, Select an Existing List choose **Ethanol / Ethyl Alcohol in the Company drop-down menu.

Manufacturer Information

Special Non-catalog Ethanol Items 

Different Ethanol to Pennsylvania (PA) questions should go through the DSS Stockroom because a PLCB release is required when using the University's Industrial Alcohol Permit to order Ethanol. If an Ethanol/Ethyl alcohol item is needed more than once, then it will need to be added to the stockroom as a regularly available catalog item.

Forms and Policies plus Shipping

Shipping

  • Stockroom limitations:

    No packaging or external shipping services 
    Use Transportation Form for Dietrich School shop repairs 
  • Shipping instructions:

    Customer arranges carrier pickup
    Close and seal package with wide clear packing tape
    Attach label fully, tape it down completely
    Clear label envelopes available in 234 Chevron
    Use ProShip to create a shipping label
    See Shipping Services webpage for package prep details

Forms

Policies