Policy V-B General Policy and Guidelines on Purchasing
The matter of college district spending, including the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and services, is one to which the Board of Trustees gives special attention. The Board of Trustees seeks in every case to make the best use of the college's funds. Section 21.901 of the Texas Education Code, as amended, governs the purchasing policies of the district. All San Jacinto College District purchasing procedures will comply with state statutes as well as with the conditions described in the San Jacinto College District Purchasing Guidelines Manual.
Whenever possible, annual district needs for supplies, materials, and equipment are estimated so that bids may be taken for these general requirements.
All purchases must be made in the name of the San Jacinto College District on written purchase orders that are properly coded for budget charges and that are approved by the Chancellor or his/her designee before orders are placed with vendors. Situations in which the college must make emergency repairs constitute the only reason for making a purchase without first completing the required purchase order procedures. Unless otherwise requested, all approved purchase orders are mailed from the district Business Office.
State statutes regarding purchasing are strictly followed, and bids are sought from firms located within and outside the college district boundaries. Purchases are made on the basis of quality and price. When quality is equal, the purchase is made from the firm offering the best and lowest price/bid. Other conditions being equal, the purchase is made from firms located within the boundaries of the college district. Specifications for purposed purchases are stated in a manner to encourage maximum competition among vendors.
(See Guidelines and Procedures, Section 2-13)