Ethics
Ethics and ethical practices are a major concern in public purchasing. While laws and rules mesh to provide a mechanism for public purchasing, only people can make it work. Everyone involved in the purchasing process is held accountable to the following principles and standards of purchasing practice:
- The purchasing power of the State shall not be used for private advantage or gain. Private advantage or gain refers to using the association of the State or Carteret Community College to receive products, favors, services, or discounts for personal use. Employees or other individuals will not process orders for articles for ownership.
- Avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practice in relationships, actions, and communications.
- Refrain from soliciting or accepting money, loans, credits, or prejudicial discounts and the acceptance of gifts, entertainment, favors, or services from present or potential suppliers which might influence or appear to influence purchasing decisions.
- Do not discuss with suppliers cost information, bid information, or trade secrets. Handle all information of a confidential or proprietary nature with due care and proper consideration of ethical and legal ramifications and governmental regulations.
Conflict of Interest
Purchasing from or through Agency Employees
- Employees shall disclose to their respective budget officer, within the administrative area to which they are assigned, any potential conflict of interest of which they are aware related to the purchase of equipment, materials, goods, or services.
- Carteret Community College Vendors cannot be an agency employee or immediate family member of an employee living in the same household. It is considered a conflict of interest for an employee to be a vendor. If an exception is necessary, the employee must get approval from the Vice President of Finance & Administrative Services.
01 NCAC 05B .1509
“Every reasonable effort shall be made to avoid making purchases from or through employees of any agency. Prior written approval from the SPO is required in any instance which may develop of doing business with such personnel. In deciding whether to grant approval, the SPO shall consider the type of item or service needed, the prevailing market conditions, whether competition is available, the cost involved, and the effects of doing business with the employee.”
Integrity
Fairness and impartiality in all phases of the process are essential ingredients in public purchasing. Integrity is manifested through fairness, openness, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality. Like all service functions, the purchasing agent’s justification is the quality of the service it renders. The purchasing process cannot be both effective and self-servicing; the two are incompatible. Fairness is required in expending public funds. No matter how strongly a user may prefer a particular product or service over others, equivalent products and services must be given every reasonable consideration.
Responsibility
Any Carteret Community College contract for the purchase or lease of any commodities, printing, or services, that is contrary to statutes or rules, may be void and of no effect. In addition, anyone making such purchases may be personally liable for the costs incurred.