PURCHASING GUIDELINES
General Guidelines* for Purchasing Goods and Services
| TOPIC | Under $500 | $500-$1,999 | $2,000-$19,999 | Over $20,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MasterCard - Procurement Card purchases | Yes, we recommend it | Yes, we recommend it | No | No |
| Purchase Order Required | No, but the vendor may require one. | No, use your procurement card. |
Yes | Yes |
| Blanket Order Suggested | No, if you order many repetitive items from the same vendor, it is best to use your procurement card. | No, if you order many repetitive items from the same vendor, it is best to use your procurement card. | Yes, if you order many repetitive items from the same vendor | Yes, after 3 written or faxed prices and approval from the VP for Admin. and Finance |
| Confirming Order Request | Yes, if the vendor requires one and does not take MasterCard | Yes, after comparing 2 or more prices | Yes, after 3 written or faxed prices | No |
| MHEC or Campus Contract Use | Yes, recommended wherever possible | Yes, recommended wherever possible | Yes, recommended wherever possible | Yes, but a formal RFP or RFQ may yield better results |
| Written RFQ (Request for Quotation) required | No, use MHEC or Campus Contract or check individual companies for lower prices | No, use MHEC or Campus Contract or check individual companies for lower prices | Yes, 3 written or faxed quotations are acceptable | Yes, Purchasing can assist you with the formal process |
| APPROVALS REQUIRED | Department Head or Principal Investigator | Department Head or Principal Investigator | Department Head or Principal Investigator | Department Head or Principal Investigator and Chief Accountant and VP for Admin. & Finance |
*Individual departments may also have procurement policies. Check with your Department Head.
Expenditures under Grants and Contracts are subject to requirements of the Grant or Contract.
Additional college-wide procurement policies may also apply to certain items.
