Renovations/Construction Buying
    Prevailing Wage
    Contract Compliance

 Coordination with Other Departments

  Receiving Department/Courier Service

Highlights of the Purchasing Policy

The attached purchasing policy was developed as a result of a review of the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Administrative Code and conversations with other colleges and universities. It is a requirement of the Ohio Revised Code that the Board of Trustees approve a purchasing policy for the college. 

The policy defines the Purchasing Agent’s role on campus as the primary agent for the purchase of goods and services and to coordinate contract services.

Introduction

Purpose
The policy guidelines set forth in this document are intended to insure compliance with the guidelines set forth by the State of Ohio Revised Code, the State of Ohio Administrative Code, and the Board of Trustees for all authorized Campus funded purchases.

It is not the purpose of this document to supercede or invalidate requirements or restrictions that may be in effect in individual departments, provided these are within the Campus’ guidelines. Each purchaser needs to be aware of his/her department’s own policy restrictions regarding purchases

Ethics
All Purchasing Department employees and all other campus personnel authorized to conduct purchasing activities must adhere to the principles and standards of the Ohio Ethics Law, Chapter 102 and Section 2921.42 of the Ohio Revised Code. It is contrary to the college’s policy for any employee to accept any gratuities, premiums, or other incentives. As a member of the National Association of Educational Procurement, the campus also subscribes to their code of ethics. Each employee involved in the expenditure of public funds is held at the highest degree of public trust and will abide by the following:

• Give first consideration to the objectives and policies of the institution.
• Strive to obtain the maximum value of each dollar of expenditure.
• Decline personal gifts or gratuities.
• Grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration and in so far as State and Federal statute and policy permits.
• Conduct business with potential and current suppliers in an atmosphere of good faith, devoid of intentional misrepresentation.
• Demand honesty in sales representation, whether offered a verbal or written statement in advertisement or a sample of the product.
• Receive consent of the originator of proprietary ideas and design before using for competitive purchasing purposes.
• Make every reasonable effort to negotiate an equitable and mutually agreeable settlement of any controversy with a supplier, and/or be willing to submit any major controversy to arbitration for others to review.
• Accord a prompt and courteous reception insofar as conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business missions.
• Cooperate with trade, industrial and professional associations, and with governmental and private agencies for the purposes of promoting and developing sound business methods.
• Foster fair, ethical and legal trade practices.
• Counsel and cooperate with NAEP Members and promote a spirit of unity and a keen interest in professional growth among them.
  
   

Purchasing Department
Founders Hall, Room 160
1179 University Drive
Newark, Ohio 43055
Phone: 740-366-9233
Fax: 740-364-9595

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PURCHASE OF GOODS/SERVICES/SUPPLIES

A Purchase Order is an offer of a contract between the Campus and a supplier. Purchase Orders are issued through the Purchasing Department with an appropriate Purchase Order Number. Purchase Order terms and conditions address legal and contractual obligations of the supplier and the campus on each purchase order issued. Purchase orders also specify delivery to the Receiving Department and direct billing to Accounts Payable.

Purchase Orders are sometimes supplemented by a formally executed contract. See contract section for additional information. The President and/or CFO has signature authority for most legal contracts. Please note the campus may find it necessary to consult with legal counsel before signing contracts.

Requisition
A requisition is used to communicate a request for the purchase of goods, bids, or services from off campus suppliers. Requisitions are:

• Initiated by a campus department designee for the purchase of goods or services;
• Submitted to the Purchasing Department via web requisition for processing (paper requisition may be used only in exceptions);
• Should include all appropriate authorization(s) at time of submission;
• Precedes the issuance of a Purchase Order by the Purchasing Department.

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Purchase Orders

Purchase Order is issued by the Purchasing Agent to specific supplier(s) as an authorization for purchase and commitment of future payment.

One time Purchase Order
A one-time Purchase Order is issued to identify a specific requirement at a firm price, generally with a single delivery. One-time orders are:

• Issued to off-campus suppliers;
• Identified by a unique Purchase Order number;
• Issued and authorized by the Campus Purchasing Agent

• Each Blanket Purchase Order will be issued to a single supplier and may not exceed bid limits for services except for the following items:
• Utilities
• Telephone Service
• Reoccurring payments on leases or mortgages
• Other items as deemed necessary by the Purchasing Manger and approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer,
• Each Blanket Purchase Order will have a unique Purchase Order number,
• For a Blanket Purchase Order where monthly billing of goods or services vary, the invoice must be approved by appropriate department representative prior to payment.

Changes to Requisitions and Purchase Orders
Requests to cancel or modify a Requisition or Purchase Order, which has not been processed, should be made directly to the Purchasing Department either in writing or by phone. If substantial changes are to be made to a requisition, a new Requisition with appropriate approval should be resubmitted. If a Purchase Order number has been issued, the requisitioner should consult the Purchasing Department to determine the status of the goods or services and the potential for canceling or modifying the order.

Office Supplies Purchases

With appropriate authorization departments may purchase office supplies utilizing the current designated online program.  User ID and instructions for ordering may be obtain form the Purchasing Department.

Procurement Card (PCard/Campus Credit Card)

With appropriate authorization general use pcards may be checked out from the Purchasing Department for online, local store and small dollar purchases. Individuals and/or departments may obtain their own campus pcard.   See pcard policy for further information.

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Purchasing Agent Role

The Purchasing Office reserves the option to purchase from other than suggested vendors, or supply alternate items for comparable services, supplies, and/or equipment if obtainable at a lower price or total cost. This may include items which are part of a pre-purchase contract. If changes are made to the requisition request for other reason(s) the requisitioner will be consulted.

Bidding

The Purchasing Department has a responsibility to solicit bid requirements from two or more suppliers when the estimated value of the requested purchase is $20,000 or greater for goods (equipment, materials, supplies) or $30,000 or greater for services, unless the items can be obtained under existing contracts. The College’s Board of Trustees establishes these competitive bid thresholds as a part of this policy. The Purchasing Department may bid any request regardless of the dollar amount when, in their judgment, it best serves the campus.

Request for Quotation (RFQ)
An RFQ is used to solicit vendors for specific goods and/or services.

Request for Proposal (RFP)
An RFP is used to solicit vendors and to provide a more customized response. The supplier response generally includes pricing, proposed implementation plan, and timeline for delivery of goods or services.

Request for Information (RFI)
This request is issued to suppliers within a specific commodity or market to determine the viability of a concept and to obtain market information. No award is usually made from this process.

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Waiver of Competitive Bidding

The campus secures goods and services competitively wherever applicable. The President, Chief Fiscal Officer and Purchasing Manager may waive competitive bidding and approve waiver request(s) when justified. This authorizes the Purchasing Manager to purchase without competitive bidding, goods, or services that exceed the bid thresholds.

The following are reasons to consider granting a waiver of competitive bidding.

Sole Source: There is not another company who provides goods or services similar to the requested purchase; the request for goods or services is unique in design, performance, or user specification.

Emergency: The goods or services are needed to correct or prevent an emergency repair or replacement of existing equipment essential for daily operation.

Economics: Responsible economics procurement relieves the campus of potential additional expense that will result from not making a purchase; use of another supplier would require considerable training, time and money to evaluate; the goods or services are used in on-going, long-term projects; and/or the product or services offered is at a substantial discount due to current market conditions and price structures.

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AUTHORIZATION FOR PROCUREMENT

Signing Authority
In general all administrative Unit Budget Managers (UBM) have the authority to complete requisitions without Senior Administrative approval within specific guidelines set by the Business and Finance department. Senior Administrators have signing authority up to $10,000 for items within their budgetary supervision.

Special Approvals Review
The following purchases require additional approvals:

• Advertising (except classified advertising):  Marketing & Public Relations Director
• Classified Advertising: Director of Human Resources
• Computer Equipment/Software: Director of ITS
• Construction: Project Manager and Chief Fiscal Officer
• Entertainment contracts for student events: Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life
• Entertainment contracts for community events:  Marketing & Public Relations Director
• Equipment Leasing: Chief Fiscal Officer
• Insurance (Health): Director of Human Resources
• Insurance (Risk Management): Chief Fiscal Officer
• Letterhead and Business Cards:  Marketing & Public Relations Director
• Off-campus Lease Space: Chief Fiscal Officer and President
• Renovations: Project Manager and Chief Fiscal Officer
• Signage and Any Graphics referencing Central Ohio Technical College in written form or logo:  Marketing & Public Relations Director and Project Manager(Signage Only)
• Telephone Equipment and Services: Director of ITS
• Temporary Employment Services: Appropriate Senior Administrator, Director of Human Resources
• Video Production: Marketing & Public Relations Director
• Alcohol ONLY with prior approval by President

In general, Board of Trustees approval needed only for new budgeted items more than $10,000 (may be done by mail). Exception can be made for emergency repairs to building or grounds. Approval must be obtained at next opportunity.

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SPECIAL BUYING CONSIDERATIONS

Ohio Industry for the Handicapped
Sections 4115.31- 4115.35 of the Ohio Revised Code directs state entities to use a qualified non-profit agency for the purchase of products and/or services which are available from an agency employing persons with disabilities, notwithstanding any law requiring the purchase of products and services on a competitive basis.

Ohio Penal Industries
Sections 5147.07 of the Ohio Revised Code directs state entities to utilize the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the purchase of products and/or services available from State Corrections and Penal Institutions.

Independent Contractor vs. Employee Relationship
Policies that determine the difference between an employee and an independent contractor are based on case law and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) interpretation.

If workers are incorrectly classified as independent contractors, the IRS can impose fines and penalties for uncollected taxes, including income taxes and social security taxes. Consequently all non-employee arrangements should be clearly documented, and the documentation maintained in the Accounts Payable Department. The following list identifies some situations when an individual could be an independent contractor.

• Infrequent guest performance or artists not affiliated with the campus
• Guest speakers or lecturers with a particular expertise brought in on a short-term basis
• Individuals providing professional services such as attorneys, accountants, and other technical or administrative experts

Final determination of the employee vs. independent contractor status will be made on a case by case basis by Assistant Director of Business and Finance.

Minority and Small Business Development
Since the late 90’s, State of Ohio law dictates that the public University’s set aside and purchase 15% of goods and services from minority suppliers. While Community and Technical Colleges are not required to do the same, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) made a commitment to encourage business opportunities and diversity among its vendors. Each buyer in the Purchasing Department is made aware of the importance of utilizing minority suppliers.  Unfortunately, because of our location and our desire to draw on local businesses, we are often not able to find a minority business to meet our needs.  We have however, attempted to isolate categories where purchases of a substantial dollar amount are made, and have in one area, selected a minority vendor to supply almost everything in that category.  Not only does this allow us to utilize an MBE certified vendor, we make use of both State and consortium contracts with some very competitive pricing at the same time.  We continue to assess purchases on an annual basis through the Purchasing Department’s software vendor reports.   In addition, in the area of office supplies, we are able see our minority purchases through our vendors’ reporting tool. COTC encourages (Architects) (Contractors) to make a good faith effort to reach a 5% participation goal in using EDGE-certified Business Enterprise(s) as part of the (A/E) (construction) team.  Also, when bid packages for construction and renovations are sent to vendors,  MBE and Edge Certification forms are included for completion with the bid responses.