Conflict of Interest

I. PURPOSE

To outline responsibilities and procedures for the purchasing of supplies, services, and construction from a business firm in which a University officer or employee has an interest.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES

A.Unless specific written exception has been obtained from the Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs, no employee, officer, or agent of the University shall participate in the selection, award or administration of purchases or contracts where to his or her knowledge the employee, his or her immediate family, or partner has a financial interest in the supplier's organization.

B.Employees, officers, and agents of the University shall neither solicit nor accept cash, gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from suppliers or potential suppliers.

C.To insure objectivity and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, suppliers who participate in the development or drafting of specifications, requirements, request for quotes, or request for proposals should be excluded from competing for business related to their participation.

D.Employees, officers, and agents of the University who knowingly violate this policy will be subject to such disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs.

III. EXCEPTIONS

NONE

IV. RELATED ITEMS

Purchasing Authority (University Purchasing Policy, 1.A)
Competitive Bidding Guidelines (University Purchasing Policy, 3.A)
OMB Circular A-110 (University Purchasing Policy, 9.K)

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