Purchasing procedures are based on the good or service to be purchased and the proposed use. The district will use the best method to purchase within the limitations of state laws and regulations and WSU policies.

Purchase Orders
District may make simple purchases of goods and services up to $3,000 (including freight and sales tax) directly from off-campus vendors. A Purchase Order form is used to initiate this type of purchase which generates an encumbrance against the supporting account. Obtain POs from the district office.

Competitive Bidding
Purchases that exceed the direct buy limit of $3,000 must be competitively bid. If the buyer believes a better price will result, purchases costing less than the direct buy limit may be bid. Contact district office for purchases exceeding $3,000.

IRIs
The Interdepartmental Requisition and Invoice (IRI) form is used to requisition supplies and services provided by WSU vendor departments. Obtain IRIs from district office.

Purchase Cards
An authorized University employee may obtain and use a purchasing card to make University purchases that do not exceed the University's direct buy limit. Purchase card training is required. Approval for a purchase card must be obtained from the district director.

Confirming Purchases
When regular purchasing procedures are not feasible, a University employee and her or his district office may process a confirming purchase. A confirming purchase should be used as an exception only. Call the district office to review the circumstances and obtain verbal prior approval before making the purchase.

Occasionally a transaction occurs without appropriate prior approval. Without prior approval from the district office and Purchasing, the employee is personally responsible for the purchase. The employee remains personally liable until both the district office and Purchasing have approved the purchase. This is true regardless of the source of the funds. Obtain confirming purchase forms from the district office.