POLICY:

The University's reputation for fair, honest, and consistent treatment of suppliers can best be accomplished if procurement is done solely on the merits of the transaction. All University personnel should conduct themselves in such a manner as to foster public confidence in the integrity of the University procurement operation.

All persons engaged in the procurement process (whether in Purchasing Services or in other departments) will adhere to the following code of conduct taken from the "National Association of Educational Buyers Code of Ethics."

1. To give first consideration to the objectives and policies of my institution.



2. To strive to obtain the maximum ultimate value for each dollar of expenditure.



3. To cooperate with trade and industrial associations and with governmental and private agencies engaged in the promotion and development of sound business methods.



4. To demand honesty in sales representation whether offered through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an advertisement, or a sample of the product.



5. To decline personal gifts or gratuities.



6. To grant all competitive bidders equal consideration; to regard each transaction on its own merits; and to foster and promote fair, ethical, and legal trade practices.



7. To use only by consent original ideas and designs devised by one vendor for competitive purchasing purposes.



8. To be willing to submit to arbitration any major controversies.



9. To accord a prompt and courteous reception in so far as conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business missions.