UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH POLICY 05-02-03

CATEGORY:        FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
SECTION:         Purchasing
SUBJECT:         Code of Ethics
EFFECTIVE DATE:  March 12, 2003 Revised
PAGE(S):         1

I.   SCOPE

     This policy establishes a code of ethics, subscribed to by the
     University of Pittsburgh purchasing units.

II.  POLICY

     All individuals with purchasing authority on behalf of the
     University must:

     -    Give first consideration to the objectives and policies of
          the University.

     -    Strive to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of
          expenditure.

     -    Ensure that all procurement related financial transactions
          are handled honestly and recorded accurately.

     -    Decline personal gifts or gratuities.  See senior level
          approval for acceptance of nominal gifts of appreciation.
          Avoid conflicts of interest, both real and perceived.  Never
          use University assets or information for personal gain.

     -    Grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration insofar
          as state and federal statute and institutional policy
          permit, and insofar as it serves the best interests of the
          University.

     -    Conduct business with potential and current suppliers in an
          atmosphere of good faith, devoid of intentional
          misrepresentation, with honesty and integrity.

     -    Demand honesty in sales representation whether offered
          through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an
          advertisement, or a sample of the product.

     -    Recognize that even the appearance of misconduct or
          impropriety can be very damaging to the reputation of the
          University.

     -    Receive consent of originator of proprietary ideas and
          designs before using them for competitive purchasing
          purposes.  Protect information that belongs to the
          University, our customers, suppliers, and fellow workers.

     -    Make every reasonable effort to negotiate an equitable and
          mutually agreeable settlement of any controversy with a
          supplier; and/or be willing to submit any major
          controversies to arbitration or other third party review,
          insofar as the established policies of the University
          permit.

     -    Accord a prompt and courteous reception insofar as
          conditions permit to all who call on legitimate business
          missions.

     -    Cooperate with trade, industrial and professional
          associations, and with governmental and private agencies for
          the purposes of promoting and developing sound business
          methods.

     -    Foster fair, ethical, and legal trade practices.