Our campus is looking into the possibility of obtaining cost savings,
revenue generation and/or higher level of service by consolidating travel
services through a limited number of "officially recommended" commercial
travel agencies.  This would initially include all university and research
travel, but would possibly be expanded in the future to include student and
personal travel.

Since I have heard that many of  you have already consolidated your travel
services -- some as "recommended" and others as "mandated" travel agencies
 -- I'm interested in what you've experienced.  How has your faculty
responded to this action?  Have any federal sponsors questioned the limiting
of travel to a specific few agencies?  How do you enforce the use of
"mandated" agencies?

I am sure I'll come up with more questions as we go along.  I'd be very
grateful for any advice/suggestions you might offer.

Linda Mitchell (xxxxxx@research.buffalo.edu)
Director, Grants and Contracts
SUNY/Buffalo
Phone:  (716) 645-3981 / Fax: (716) 645-2760