Principles and Ethics
All employees, directly or indirectly involved in the acquisition of materials and services, must conduct themselves in a manner that is beyond challenge or reproach. The Purchasing Department and Frederick Community College subscribes to the following principles and ethics (The National Association of Educational Buyers Code of Ethics):
- To give first consideration to the objectives and policies of my institution.
- To strive to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of expenditure.
- To decline personal gifts or gratuities.
- To grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration insofar as state or federal statue and institutional policy permits.
- To conduct business with potential or current suppliers in an atmosphere of good faith, devoid of intentional misrepresentation.
- To demand honesty in sales representation whether offered through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an advertisement, or sample of the product.
- To receive consent of originator of proprietary ideas and designs before using them for competitive purchasing purposes.
- To make every reasonable effort to negotiate an equitable agreement settlement on any controversy with a supplier, insofar as the established policies that my institution permits.
- To accord a prompt and courteous reception insofar as conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business missions.
- To cooperate with trade, industrial and professional associations, and with governmental and private agencies for the purpose of promoting and developing sound business methods.
- Foster fair, ethical and legal trade practices.
- To counsel and cooperate with other public purchasing professionals and promote spirit of unity and a keen interest in professional growth among them.