SUBJECT:  Purchasing Policies and Practices - Update

This message reaffirms the University's commitment to ensure that all faculty and staff are familiar with purchasing policies and responsible business practices. These policies and practices apply to all employees when they represent the University in any aspect of the purchase of goods or services.

Here are some important links to purchasing-related information published in Blink for review on a regular basis by all employees:

Responsible Buying Practices: UCSD's purchasing policy establishes guidelines to ensure that all purchasing activities are conducted in an ethical manner. All faculty and staff involved in buying goods and services must understand and comply with the guidelines at:

http://blink.ucsd.edu/buying/responsiblepractices

Roles and Responsibilities of Professional Buyers: The Professional buyers in the Purchasing Department are always available to assist campus faculty and staff in any procurement-related matter. They are also responsible for purchasing goods and services that exceed the department buyer's authority, and for restricted and specialized purchases. Please see the following for more information:

http://blink.ucsd.edu/buying/purchasingrole Roles and Responsibilities of Department Buyers: Department Buyers are delegated purchasing authority from the Purchasing Manager, and are limited in the buying authority and methods. Please see the following for more information:

http://blink.ucsd.edu/buying/departmentrole

Supplier Scams: UCSD departments are often targets of unscrupulous companies or individuals who canvass phone numbers and monitor companies' Internet buying practices. They hope to find victims who will unwittingly acknowledge their attempts to sell bogus, damaged, or discontinued products at exorbitant prices. We have witnessed an increase in this type of activity over the past year and encourage all to visit the following site to learn more:

http://blink.ucsd.edu/buying/scams

Buying from Auctions: Online or live auctions offer a way of buying equipment and supplies for the University. Purchases of goods from auctions are subject to all Purchasing policies and practices. Each auction vendor has specific requirements for participation that do not always correspond with University regulations. If you are considering now or in the future to utilize an auction as a means to acquire equipment or supplies, please read:

http://blink.ucsd.edu/buying/auctions

                                                Linda Collins
                                                Purchasing Manager