POLICY NO: POL-020
TITLE: DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 2000
UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2007

General

By virtue of appointment, the Director of Purchasing has the authority to delegate responsibility for certain types of purchases and/or negotiations when it is determined to be in the best interest of the University. Coordination with the proper departments will prevent unnecessary duplication of orders and will insure product compatibility.

Library Services

The authority to purchase books, periodicals, and subscriptions solely for the use by the library is vested with the University Library. Likewise, authority to purchase books, periodicals, and subscriptions solely for use by the Roger Williams School of Law, hereinafter referred to as the School of Law, is vested with the Dean, School of Law. The Director of Purchasing is responsible to insure that all purchases made by the University Library and the School of Law Library are in accordance with Roger Williams University purchasing policy and procedures.

Audio Visual Services

Requests for audio visual equipment and other supplies, including video tapes, must be coordinated through the Audio Visual Department before purchasing action will be approved by the Purchasing Department. Requests for audio visual equipment for use within the School of Law must be coordinated through the Director of Media Services. Additionally, major audio visual projects for the University should include the services of the Director of Media Services, School of Law.

Computer Services

Requests for computer hardware, software, and accessories must be coordinated through the office of the Vice President of Information Technology before purchasing action will be taken by the Purchasing Office.

Advertising

Requests for advertising in local or national publications must be coordinated through the Public Affairs Department before purchasing action will be approved by the Purchasing Office. This will insure university standards for advertising are uniform.

Construction & Renovation Projects

Purchasing is responsible for soliciting competitive bids for major construction and renovation projects which must be approved by the Board of Trustees of RWU, President or Vice President.

Department Delegation

Deans and Department heads may delegate approval authority to subordinates provided such delegation is documented in writing to the Director of Purchasing. Documents must include, as a minimum, the name, title, signature, and dollar limit restrictions. Part time employees, temporary employees and students may not be delegated to have approving authority.