Procurement and Contracting: Code of Ethics

Policy Number: 
IV.09.02
Reason for Policy: 

This policy helps provide a framework to ensure ethical decision-making by UO employees with respect to purchasing, contracting and related matters.

Entities Affected by this Policy: 

All UO employees or offices engaging in purchasing and contracting.

Responsible Office: 

For questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration at (541) 346-2419 or contract@uoregon.edu .

Enactment & Revision History: 

23 June 2015 - Technical amendments by the university secretary

01 July 2014 - Inherited by the University of Oregon by operation of law (OAR 580-61-0000).

OAR History: Stat. Auth.: ORS 351. Stats. Implemented: Hist.: OSSHE 5-2008(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-19-08 thru 8-16-08; OSSHE 9-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-21-08; OUS 2-2013(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-10-13 thru 9-30-13

Policy: 

(1) The following Code of Ethics will apply to University of Oregon employees in relation to procurement and contracting. Employees will:

(a) Give first consideration to the objectives and policies of the University of Oregon (UO);

(b) Strive to obtain the best value for expenditures;

(c) Fairly consider prospective Contractors insofar as state or federal statutes and UO policies require;

(d) Conduct business in an atmosphere of good faith;

(e) Demand honesty in representations made by prospective Contractors;

(f) Promote competition by encouraging the participation of Oregon businesses, emerging small and minority-owned and women-owned businesses, and Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities;

(g) Comply with the applicable provisions of ORS Chapter 244 and other applicable rules and policies on conflict of interest that may be more restrictive;

(h) Refrain from having financial interests incompatible with the impartial, objective, and effective performance of duties. Activities that may create a conflict of interest must be addressed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the UO’s and other applicable rules and policies;

(i) Receive the written consent of the originator of proprietary ideas and designs before using them; and

(j) Foster fair, ethical, and legal trade practices.

(k) Execute the UO Conflict of Interest Statement before any person may participate in the evaluation or selection of a Contractor or vendor under a Formal Procurement process.

(l) On an annual basis, sign a statement that the employee has reviewed and will comply with the UO Procurement and Contracting Code of Ethics.

(2) This code is for the UO’s internal use only and creates no obligations enforceable by Contractors, Proposers, Bidders, or other parties doing business with the UO, nor may it be used by Contractors, Proposers, Bidders, or other parties doing business with the UO who are challenging actions taken by the UO or its officers, employees, or agents. This code may not be the only statement on ethics applicable to an employee.

Chapter/Volume: 
  • Volume IV: Finance, Administration and Infrastructure
  • Chapter 9: Purchasing and contracting