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14.01 / General Purchasing Policies

In accordance with K.S.A. 76-769, as amended, and pursuant to policies of the Kansas Board of Regents, the University has delegated authority to acquire any supplies, materials, equipment, goods, property, printing or services required by the University and to enter into leases of real property.  In exercising these delegated authorities, the University shall:
  1. Focus on the stewardship of public funds;
  2. advance and support the mission of the University;
  3. promote a competitive and fair procurement environment;
  4. be open and transparent (adhering to the Kansas Open Records Act). 
When reasonably available, the University shall utilize cooperative purchasing opportunities with other public universities or other state agencies to achieve the lowest competitive price, including purchasing from current State of Kansas central purchasing contracts, state travel services, and products pursuant to the Prison Made Goods Act, if and when it is in the best interests of the University. 

The University Office of Purchasing will have responsibility for University purchases as authorized by K.S.A. 76-769 and Board of Regents policies.  The Office of Purchasing will develop implementing procurement procedures which shall be in accordance with the requirements of item 10.b. on page 22 of the Kansas Board of Regents Policy Manual and these can be accessed and reviewed by utilization of the following link: Administration of WSU Procurement Policies in Accordance with the Kansas Board of Regents Policy on Fiscal Management.

All purchases of materials and contractual services in the amount of $5,000 or more will be made by the Office of Purchasing.  This office also manages and controls the system for direct departmental purchases less than $5,000.  The Office of Purchasing establishes contractual service agreements for professional services and service maintenance agreements and maintain all statewide open-end contracts.  The Office of Purchasing cannot purchase items for individuals for their personal use and as a general policy, no University purchase orders will be awarded to University employees.

State Contracts for Supplies and Services:
Contracts for commonly used equipment, supplies, and services have been developed by the State of Kansas Division of Purchases.  A complete listing of state contracts is available at the Office of Purchasing.  Copies and updates of these contracts are maintained by the Office of Purchasing and are forwarded to departments expected to have need for the items covered by the contract.  State contracts for commonly used equipment and materials must be utilized unless it can be clearly demonstrated that an alternative purchase would be in the best interest of the University.  Approval by the Office of Purchasing is required when deviating from this policy, prior to acquisition.

Contracting Policy:
The President, the Provost, and the Vice President for Administration and Finance are the only individuals authorized to contractually bind the University by the execution of a contract.  (The reader should refer to the Execution of Contracts Policy at Section 1.04 of this manual.)  The Vice President for Administration and Finance has further delegated limited authority for the execution of purchase orders to the Director of Purchasing.  

Vendor Information:
The Office of Purchasing maintains a current library of vendor product information and maintains a program of vendor evaluation on the basis of quality, service, delivery practices and price.  Procurement officers are apprised of current market conditions, scarcity of materials, new product availability, delivery information and state and federal excess property.  Procurement officers also explore new and improved sources of supplies, materials, processes, and ideas which will better serve the needs of all University departments.

Used Equipment:
The University does not generally purchase used equipment.  However, if it can be demonstrated that it is advantageous to do so, used equipment may be purchased from an established and reliable vendor of the type of equipment to be purchased.  Normal purchase procedures are required for this type of purchase.

Departmental Services:
Office of Purchasing procurement officers will visit departments to discuss current needs, future opportunities, and procedures.  These visits are generally made at departmental request.  A representative from the Office of Purchasing will visit with new department heads, researchers, administrative assistants, and secretaries to explain purchasing procedures and services.  Contact the Office of Purchasing to arrange a visit.

SCT Banner:
All departments that wish to purchase goods or services with funds that are deposited in the state treasury, including research grants, will be required to use SCT Banner to submit requisitions to the Office of Purchasing.  Department budget officers shall keep the Director of Purchasing informed as to who is responsible and authorized to submit requisitions on behalf of the department.

Revision Date:
September 9, 1998
August 1, 2009
April 1, 2011

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