7.7 Procurement Conflicts of Interest

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the University of Illinois System to review information disclosed by employees under the Report of Non-University Activity process as well as financial information disclosed by vendors in accordance with Sections 50-13 and 50-35 of the Illinois Procurement Code to determine if a prohibited or potential conflict of interest exists.

A proposed purchase of services or supplies from a vendor with either a prohibited or a potential conflict of interest must comply with the University of Illinois System’s internal review procedures and the review process defined in the Illinois Procurement Code.

The University of Illinois System does not have the final authority to determine whether a conflict of interest exists or whether a proposed purchase that presents a conflict may proceed. The University of Illinois System will cooperate with the review process conducted by the Procurement Policy Board and the Executive Ethics Commission as defined in the Illinois Procurement Code and Rules.

Employees also must observe the State Officials and Employee Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/) and the Employee Gift Policy, and should consider public perception, when making a purchase.

If a unit has any questions about a prohibited or potential conflict of interest, it should contact the appropriate university or system purchasing office.

Reason for the Policy

To establish consistent review of potential conflicts of interest for any outside vendor doing business with the University of Illinois System as a whole or with a specific university within the system.

Applicability of the Policy

This policy applies to all purchases, contracts for services, and contracts for supplies made by or for the University of Illinois System under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/). This policy applies regardless of funding source for the purchase.

Procedure

For prohibited conflicts of interest, follow the procedure in 7.7.1 Prohibited Conflicts of Interest, and for potential conflicts of interest, follow the procedure in 7.7.2 Potential Conflicts of Interest.

Gratuities

Employees must avoid accepting gratuities, tips, gifts, merchandise, cash, or services in exchange for the performance of their duties, either past or future. For more information, see 1 Fiscal Environment—Employee Gift Policy.