Principles and Ethics

The Procurement Department of the College of Southern Maryland subscribes to the following principles and ethics (The National Association of Educational Buyers' Code of Ethics):

1. To give first consideration to the objectives and policies of my institution.
2. To strive to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of expenditure.
3. To decline personal gifts or gratuities.
4. To grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration insofar as state or federal statue and institutional policy permit.
5. To conduct business with potential or current suppliers in an atmosphere of good faith, devoid of intentional misrepresentation.
6. To demand honesty in sales representation whether offered through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an advertisement, or a sample of the product.
7. To receive consent of originator of proprietary ideas and designs before using them for competitive purchasing purposes.
8. To make every reasonable effort to negotiate an equitable and mutually agreeable settlement of any controversy with a supplier, insofar as the established policies of my institution permits.
9. To accord a prompt and courteous reception insofar as conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business missions.
10. To cooperate with trade, industrial and professional associations, and with governmental and private agencies for the purpose of promoting and developing sound business methods.
11. Foster fair, ethical and legal trade practices.
12. To counsel and cooperate with other public purchasing professionals and promote spirit of unity and a keen interest in professional growth among them.