Only university employees expressly authorized in writing by the President may enter into or sign contracts or agreements, either oral or written, on behalf of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ("university”). The President may delegate such authority only in accordance with Rule 10501 of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. The authorized employees and their corresponding delegated authorities are listed in the Delegation Authority Matrix. Contracts and agreements must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate office prior to their execution. For the appropriate office through which to route a contract or agreement, consult the Contracting at UTHSC-H Matrix.
Procurement Services is the university’s official purchasing agent . Employees may not use university funds for any purchase unless the employee is authorized to make the purchase by university policy. All purchases, regardless of the source of funds, must be made on a competitive basis unless otherwise authorized by university policy. Any violation of university purchasing policies or procedures should be promptly reported to the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, The University of Texas System Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs or to the Compliance Hotline by phone at 1-888-472-9868 or by email at www.tnwinc.com/webreport.
Departments are permitted to purchase goods and services, inclusive of delivery charges, up to $5,000 per transaction. Any purchase greater than $5,000 must be handled by Procurement Services. All purchases over $25,000 must be solicited through a formal bid or proposal. The bid and proposal process must be handled by Procurement Services.
University commitments must be made in accordance with the policies and procedures found in the university’s Procurement Procedures. The university will not assume liability for an obligation of institutional funds that does not comply with the university’s policies and procedures. Employees who are authorized to obligate institutional funds are expected to become informed about, and work within the framework of, approved purchasing policies and procedures. Failure to abide by university purchasing policies and procedures, whether the result of ignorance or of deliberate misconduct, may result in financial liability and/or disciplinary action for the employee concerned.
University employees may not solicit, demand, accept or agree to accept any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor or a personal service in connection with the following:
For questions regarding contracts and agreements, contact the Office of Legal Affairs.
For questions regarding purchases of goods or services contact Procurement Services.
Detailed purchasing policies and procedures are found in the Procurement Procedures.
Updated 08/08