TO: The Faculty, Academic Professionals, Administrators and Staff

The primary responsibility of the University of Arizona Procurement and Contracting Services Department is described below:

• To serve the faculty, academic professionals, administrators and staff by facilitating the timely acquisition of needed goods and services.
• To provide initiative and leadership in procurement which maximizes the value of university expenditures, leverages purchases, broadens relationships with suppliers via strategic alliances, and creates new sources of revenue.
• To identify ways to improve the acquisition process through procedural enhancements while at the same time assuring compliance with the ABOR University Procurement Code.

The University’s Purchasing Policies are designed to meet the requirements of the Arizona Board of Regents, general university regulations, specified requirements of various agencies from whom the University secures funds, and good business practices. These policies contribute to maintaining and improving the quality of services rendered by the Procurement and Contracting Services Department. To assist in this effort I am requesting that those in leadership/supervisory positions assure that these policies are read, understood, and complied with by all appropriate University employees under their supervision.

            Robert N. Shelton

President

The function of the Purchasing Department is to administer procurement for all departments in accordance with responsibility and authority delegated by the University's President.

The Director and his staff are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, ethical, and professional manner; to maintain good relations with faculty and staff; to regard each transaction on its own merits and to promote fair, ethical, and legal trade practices.

These general policies were developed to accomplish the procurement processes for the University. While the policies are somewhat detailed, it does not cover all eventualities. Exceptions, not governed by ABOR Policy, State or Federal law, rules, or regulations, may be granted to departments by written authorization from the Director. The exceptions will be worked out as circumstances and good business practices warrant.

Kirk Ketcham

Interim Director

Procurement and Contracting Services

University Services Annex, Bldg. 300A

Tucson, AZ 85721