Mission Statement

Mission Statement
The Purchasing Department's mission is to continually identify and incorporate innovative purchasing practices that will support the teaching, research, and service efforts of The University of Alabama.

Vision Statement
Our vision is to create customer satisfaction by providing value and efficiency to each purchase request while adhering to University policy, state law, and sound business practices.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT GRATUITY POLICY
The Code of Ethics for the Purchasing Department indicates that all employees of the Purchasing Department will decline personal gifts or gratuities in connection with the purchasing function. In an effort to clarify the meaning of this statement and dispel any perception that any Purchasing Department employee may be unfairly influenced, the following departmental policy has been implemented:

1. An employee of the Purchasing Department staff cannot solicit or accept offers, gifts or entertainment or other favors from a vendor who conducts business with the University if the gift was offered to said employee while he was being paid by the University and performing the official duties of his office. This includes samples of products provided by the vendor. It is permissible to accept unsolicited "giveaways" of promotional items such as pens, calendars, ball caps, and similar items that are offered to all participants by vendors at trade shows or training meetings provided that no particular course of repayment is required as a condition to the receipt of the item. Accepting a meal paid for by a vendor should only occur when University related work is being conducted and the meal adds to the efficiency of the meeting. Employees involved in purchasing decision- making or contract administration are encouraged to adopt a very strict set of personal standards in their relationship with vendors.

2. Consumable items may be given to the Purchasing Department by a vendor. These items should be shared with all employees in the Purchasing Department. Items such as food, pens, calendars, ball caps, and similar items are acceptable. Gifts or tokens of appreciation can be accepted from University departments if the aggregate value of such gift from any single donor is of an economic value of less than $25.00 during any one calendar year.

3. The purpose of this policy is to enable the employee to maintain freedom from influence and to exercise truly independent judgment. Any questionable items shall be brought to the attention of a purchasing manager for review and approval.