Introduction
UBalt and USM procurement policies are designed to provide for a procurement process of quality and integrity, broad based competition, fair and equal treatment of the business community, transparency of the process to instill public confidence in all aspects of the process, increased economy in the procurement process, and uniform procurement procedures.
In accordance with University System of Maryland Procurement Policies and Procedures, the Office of Procurement has the responsibility to conduct all negotiations concerning price and condition of sale and entering into contracts for all purchases and anticipated purchases for the University of Baltimore (UBalt). Individual departments or employees are not authorized to sign or enter into a purchase contract on behalf of the University. A University purchase order issued by the Office of Procurement must be obtained prior to any services or products being provided for which the University Corporate Purchasing Card was not used. All contracts and agreements including those associated with purchases with the Corporate Purchasing Card must be submitted to the Office of Procurement for review and execution.
Purpose
These procurement policies and procedures are designed to support and facilitate the educational, research, and public service missions of the University System of Maryland and its constituent institutions through the acquisition of goods and services by applying best methods and business practices that provide for public confidence in the System and the University. The University Policies establish policies and procedures that are relevant to the University environment while providing for a procurement process of quality and integrity, broad based competition, fair and equal treatment of the business community, increased economy in the procurement process, and uniform procurement procedures. These values promote the purposes of State procurement law, strike a balance between needed institution self-management and the Board of Regents' responsibility to govern the System.
Procurement Methods
The University shall use the procurement methods, policies and procedures listed in Sections IV through XI and Appendix A of the University System of Maryland Procurement Policies and Procedures, revised and approved by the Board of Regents on July 1, 2016 ("USM Policies"), with provisions specific, to the University, as appropriate, set forth in the USM Policies and Procedures.