University of Missouri System

Business Policy Manual

Purchasing

BPM-302 Organization

Revised August 1, 2001

Goals and Authority

The Campus Procurement Service Centers and UM Procurement Services are part of the University Administration. Authority for administering the Board of Curators and administrative purchasing policies and managing the purchasing operations has been delegated to the Chief Procurement Officer, UM at the UM System level and the Managers, Campus Procurement Service Centers at the campus level.

The responsibility of the UM Procurement Services office and the Campus Procurement Service Centers is the organization and administration of unified, fair and effective purchasing services for all divisions and departments of the University. The goal of the Procurement staff is to obtain for the University the maximum value for every dollar expended while operating in compliance with the Board of Curators and administrative policies.

To achieve this goal, UM Procurement Services office and the Campus Procurement Service Centers, have been charged by the University Administration with the authority and responsibility for the following:

• Acquiring equipment, supplies and services for all departments of the University in an economical, expeditious and reasonable manner in accordance with University Procurement policies.
   
• Identifying qualified vendors and developing and maintaining good business relationships with them.
   
• Providing assistance to departments in preparing specifications and in analysis of bids received.
   
• Awarding contracts and assuring vendor performance compliance.

Organization

Chief Procurement Officer, UM

The Chief Procurement Officer reports to the UM Associate Vice President, Management Services. The functional role and authority delegated to the Chief Procurement Officer, UM includes the following:

 

• Oversee procurement activities of the University System in accordance with Board of Curators procurement policies and administrative policies.
   
• Develop and interpret procurement policy, prepare Board recommendations, resolve questions and disputes, participate in system-wide buying, prepare and issue management reports, and promote good vendor relationships.
   
• Approve and/or sign contracts, agreements, leases and purchase orders. Provide advice and guidance on all University procurement activities as needed. Hold meetings with all Managers, Campus Procurement Service Centers, on a regular basis. Encourage educational development of Campus Procurement Service Center staff.

 

Manager, Campus Procurement Service Center

The term Manager, used herein for the various Procurement Service Centers on each campus, shall include the Manager, Hospital Purchasing.

The Campus Manager, Procurement Service Center reports to the Chief Procurement Officer, UM. The functional role and authority of the Manager, Campus Procurement Service Center, include the following:

 

• Oversee procurement activities of Campus Procurement Service Centers in accordance with Board of Curators procurement policies and administrative policies.
   
• Operate the Campus Procurement Service Center, inform and advise campus staff on all procurement matters, resolve questions and disputes, and maintain vendor relationships.
   
• Provide educational and professional development for procurement staff, recommend policy guidelines, approve and sign purchase orders and contracts in accordance with authority delegated, work with the Chief Procurement Officer, UM, on procurement issues as needed.