Purchasing

Anytime Humber does business with any individual or company for any service or product, we must follow the Purchasing Procedures, which includes adhering to the Purchasing Policy.

As a publicly-funded institution, Humber cannot enter any contract with a vendor that is not already a vendor of record without going through the process of an open, competitive bid. We are required to obtain competitive quotes for any purchases made over $5,000 in a given year to a single vendor, even if that expense is not incurred all at once. This ensures fairness and equity of where tax dollars are spent. It also prevents breaches of contracts and other policy issues identified in the Purchasing Policy.

Fortunately, for commonly and frequently used services, Humber signs agreements with companies that ensure we use them exclusively. That’s part of the deal when they post these opportunities publicly. These companies become what’s known as “Vendors of Record”. Breaches of these contracts can result in the company suing Humber for not using them.

If a company/vendor/product is such that competitive quotes cannot be obtained, we may be able to request a Sole Source exemption to the policy. These are given in very specific circumstances and is essentially like applying for an exemption to the policy. These are strictly reviewed and only awarded in specific circumstances as these can be seen as a way to avert the policy in order to get what you want. See an example of a Sole Source exemption.

Another important note is that no matter what program you teach in, we are first and foremost an educational institution. In other words, even if something is considered normal or acceptable in the industry you teach in, it isn’t necessarily acceptable in the education industry (which is where our allegiance always lies).

Read the many Humber Policies.

If you remember nothing from this section, remember only this: Administrators are briefed on all of these policies so it’s important that you seek approval from your manager prior to making any purchases or commitments for purchases with any vendor/individual.