1.2 Purchasing Authority (02/01)

Buying agents are restricted to purchasing action within their individual authorization and in accordance with Institute purchasing policies and procedures. Furthermore, no buying agent is to issue an order if he/she is not confident that the costs thereunder are allowable costs under contract and grant accounts or appropriate costs under Institute accounts.

Allowable Costs are costs which the sponsor will reimburse under the contract or grant to which they are charged. In general, a cost is allowable if it is (1) reasonable, (2) applicable to contract or grant work, and (3) in conformity with the requirements and limitations of the contract or grant. A cost that requires the sponsor’s prior consent is not an allowable cost until that consent has been obtained.

Similarly, Appropriate Costs are costs that are (1) reasonable, (2) applicable to the work of a department or laboratory within an educational institution, and (3) in conformity with Institute purchasing policies and procedures.

Forward any requisition which is doubtful to your supervisor.