It is the policy of the university that all purchases shall be made in a manner which will maximize the value of all goods and services received for the amount expended. Therefore, competitive bids will be solicited in accordance with the following:

1. Costs for a single good or a related series of goods and for any services with a dollar value of $10,000 or less will not require competitive bidding. In order to accomplish cost containment and provide maximum use of university dollars, contracting officers will solicit competitive bids if, in the discretion of the contracting officer, a better price can be obtained. Under no circumstances will items or services be requested in series to avoid competitive bidding.
2. Costs for a single good or a related series of goods and for any services with a dollar value greater than $10,000 requires competitive bidding. Competitive bids must be documented. Documentation can be by some form of formal written bids, fax bids, or telephone bids. Contracting officers will determine the appropriate form of bidding by evaluating the complexity or nature of the purchase.
3. Procurement employees will actively pursue and develop a list of minority, women-owned, and small and disadvantaged vendors with whom to do business.

Rev: 08/24/11