Code of Ethics

General Rules

A standard of ethics is established to provide a guide for the personal and professional conduct of City employees engaged in purchasing activities. The following general rules are set forth as a guide for personnel transacting purchasing functions for the City of Flagstaff.

  1. They are governed by the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that they merit the respect and inspire the confidence of the City of Flagstaff and the public, which they serve.
  2. They do not seek nor dispense personal favors. They handle each administrative problem objectively and without discrimination.
  3. They recognize that their purchasing activities are of public interest and a matter of public record, and conduct their operations in such a manner that all actions can be fully substantiated and legally defended.
  4. They give all vendors an equal opportunity and select vendors without prejudice.
  5. They respect the City's obligations and insist that obligations to the City be honored.
  6. They are receptive to and cooperate with business colleagues.
  7. They avoid any conflict of interest and refuse all forms of bribery.
  8. Insofar as it is practical, they employ the practice of open competitive bidding based upon adequate and open specifications.

Purchasing Code of Ethics

  • To give first consideration to the objectives and policies of our organization
  • To strive to obtain the maximum ultimate value of each dollar of expenditure
  • To decline personal gifts or gratuities
  • To grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration in a fair and open competitive process
  • Conduct business with potential and current suppliers in an atmosphere of good faith devoid of intentional misrepresentation
  • Demand honesty in sales representation, whether offered through the medium of a verbal or written statement, an advertisement, or a sample of the product
  • Receive consent of originator of proprietary ideas and designs before using them for competitive purchasing purposes
  • Make every reasonable effort to negotiate an equitable and mutually agreeable settlement of any controversy with suppliers and/or be willing to submit any major controversies to mediation or other available alternative dispute resolutions insofar as the established policies of the organization permit
  • Accord a prompt and courteous reception, insofar as conditions permit, to all who call on legitimate business missions
  • Cooperate with trade, industry, and professional associations and with governmental and private agencies for the purpose of promoting and developing sound business methods
  • Foster fair, ethical, and legal trade practices
  • Counsel and cooperate with NIGP members, promote a spirit of unity and a keen interest in professional growth among them

Note: This is advocated and provided by The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.