Acquisition of Goods and Services Policy

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UCAR acquires goods and services in accordance with the stipulations of the appropriate funding agreement, applicable laws or regulations, and defined procedures. Purchasing decisions are made to derive maximum benefit from the resources used and to produce minimum environmental impact, consistent with the need to meet program requirements and cost considerations. Factors such as performance, quality, delivery time, and cost are given proper consideration during the acquisition process. UCAR obtains competitive bids to the maximum extent practicable on all procurement actions. The Contracts Office exerts its best efforts to use small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and woman-owned small businesses.

In order to purchase goods or services and employee must obtain approval from a person with the appropriate requisition authority and complete a Purchase Requisition form to initiate the request. Credit cards issued by the Contracts Office may also be used for purchases by authorized employees. In certain cases, petty cash may also be used as reimbursement for small purchases. Acquisitions of excess Federal agency personal property must be approved by the relevant government agency before the property is shipped to a UCAR entity. Equipment or property donated to UCAR may be used for program purposes, provided that the donor is not granted an unfair advantage in competitive procurements.

Employees who intend to acquire, use, transport, or transfer ownership of radioactive material, hazardous materials, lasers, and personal protective safety apparel (items worn by an employee for specific safety hazards) must contact the Director of Safety and Site Services.

No employee, officer or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract if a real or apparent conflict of interest would be involved. In addition to conflicts outlined in related policies, conflicts include any discussion with a potential future employer when the employee, officer or agent is involved in the selection, award or administration of a contract. Further, UCAR prohibits purchases from employees, their immediate families, or their business affiliates.

Employees may not purchase supplies or services through UCAR for their personal use, and they may not use other UCAR staff to purchase supplies or services for their personal use.

See the Contracts and Sponsored Agreements Office Web site for procurement procedures. See also UCAR's Conflict of Interest, Signature Authority and Committing the Corporation, Property Management, and Environmental Stewardship policies.