Procurement Services

Purpose and Policies

Purpose of the Purchasing Department

The Purchasing Department of the University of Southern Mississippi is the purchasing agency of the university. Greater efficiency, both in terms of economy to the university and service to the departments, is achieved through specialization of purchasing. The purpose of the Purchasing Department, therefore, is to procure quality supplies and equipment as economically and conveniently as possible.

In the interest of serving the university, its alumni, and the community, the Purchasing Department, in conducting its business and discharging its responsibilities, is guided by three primary objectives:

1. Purchases are to be made in consideration of the objectives and policies of the university, as well as of the particular requirements and objectives of the departments.
2. Maximum, ultimate value for each dollar of expenditure must be obtained.
3. Qualified, competitive bidders must be given equal consideration and opportunity to quote on the university's requirements.

Official Policy Statement

The Purchasing department personnel are charged with the responsibility to consummate all purchases on behalf of the university. There follows an official statement of university policy:

The Purchasing Department has the sole authority to order supplies, materials, and equipment, and to obligate the university for contractual services with the exception of books purchased by the library and merchandise purchased for resale by the bookstore. Without definite and particular permission of the Purchasing Department, no university department may order directly by letter, telephone, telegraph, or in any other manner. The university will assume no obligations except on a previously issued and duly authorized purchase order.