Procurement Services 101: Introduction

Purpose

To provide a general introduction to Procurement Services and Procurement Services Policies

Definitions

Procurement: The purchasing, buying, renting, leasing, or otherwise acquiring any goods or services. Procurement includes all functions that pertain to the obtaining of any goods or services, including description of the requirements, selection and solicitation of sources, preparation and award of contract, phases of contract administration, coordination with Risk Management on indemnification and insurance issues, and consultation with Legal Counsel on legal issues. Goods: All property, whether tangible or intangible, provided by a contractor or vendor. The term does not include land, the purchase of an interest in land, water or mineral rights, workers' compensation insurance, or benefit insurance for university employees. Services: The furnishing of labor, time, or effort by a contractor not involving the delivery of a specific end product other than reports. 

Policy

The procurement services section of the Administrative Services Policy Manual provides information on procurement practices, contracts and construction contracting at UAA. The policies are designed to support and facilitate the educational, research, and public service missions of the university through the acquisition of goods and services by applying best methods and business practices. The policies reflect the requirements of:

• State Statutes,
• Federal Regulations,
• Board of Regent's Policies and Regulations, and
• University of Alaska Procurement Manual.

Within the context of the university environment, these policies endeavor to provide a procurement process with quality and integrity, broad based competitions, fair and equal treatment of the business community, best value to the university, increased efficiency in the procurement process, and uniform procurement procedures.   These guidelines are directed to department employees who may have the need to make or initiate procurements for goods or services. They do not reiterate the procurement requirements reflected in statute and regulation. However, the guidelines cover most but not all procurement situations faced by department employees. For special situations or further information, users should contact Procurement Services for assistance.

Effective: 10/25/2005