Legal Authority

The authority and responsibility to procure all goods, equipment, and services for the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has been delegated to the Procurement Department. This delegation applies to all purchases.

UHCL will not be obligated for supplies, equipment, or services except as authorized by the Procurement Department. The Procurement Department does not have authority to approve purchases retroactively.

Any other commitments are considered as unauthorized purchases and the individual may incur a personal obligation to the vendor.

Firms doing business with UHCL are made aware of this policy and are advised that all purchases chargeable to UHCL must be authorized by an official purchase order.

General policies concerning purchasing apply to all funds of UHCL, regardless of the source. All funds deposited with UHCL are university funds and must be handled consistently with university policies. Allocation of funds in a departmental budget results in authority to requisition, not to purchase.

Code of Ethics

Give first consideration to the objective and policies of the institution. Strive to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of expenditure. Decline personal gifts or gratuities. Grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration insofar as state or federal statue and institutional policy permit. Conduct business with potential and current suppliers in an atmosphere of good faith, devoid of intentional misrepresentation. Demand honesty in sales representation whether offered through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an advertisement, or a sample of the product. Receive consent of the originator of proprietary ideas and designs before using them for competitive purchasing purposes. Make every reasonable effort to negotiate an equitable and mutually agreeable settlement of any controversy with a supplier; and/or be willing to submit any major controversies or arbitration or other third party review, insofar as the established policies of the institution permit. Accord a prompt and courteous reception insofar as conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business missions. Cooperate with trade, industrial, and professional associations, and with governmental and private agencies for the purposes of promoting and developing sound business methods. Foster fair, ethical and legal trade practices.

National Association of Educational Buyers July 1, 1985