McMASTER UNIVERSITY

Complete Policy Title:	SUPPLIER OBLIGATIONS
Policy Number (if applicable):	P-360
Approved by:	COG
Date of Most Recent Approval:	October, 1994
Revision Date(s):
Position Responsible for Developing and Maintaining the Policy:	Director, Purchasing Resources
Contact Department:	PURCHASING RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER:

If there is a discrepancy between this electronic policy and the written copy held by the Policy owner, the written copy prevails.

PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this policy to state the basic policy concerning supplier obligation to McMaster University.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all supplier obligations to purchase transactions conducted on behalf of the University.
GENERAL
Suppliers are expected to fulfil these basic responsibilities:
- to handle all written and personal communications with the University through Purchasing Resources unless instructed by the Purchasing Resources Department for technical reasons, to do otherwise; in which case Purchasing Resources is to receive copies of all correspondence and be kept informed of any oral communication;
- to negotiate purchasing contracts and all sales with Purchasing Resources only;
- to conduct negotiations ethically, without attempts to influence through offering valuable personal gifts or entertainment;
- to make available through Purchasing Resources or other designated University representatives, all available technical, engineering, systems, procedures, services and ideas that might improve the University's present or future use of supplier's products and services;
- to advise Purchasing Resources or other authorised personnel of any new products as soon as such information is available;
- to suggest ways and means of conducting joint efforts in research and development that might be of benefit to both entities;
- to inform Purchasing Resources of changes in economic or other conditions that might affect purchasing, research or operating decisions;
- to inquire through the Director, Purchasing Resources for further information concerned with selling products and/or services to the University.