The University of Chicago is required to make payments only to suppliers who are in good standing with the federal government. As a result of this requirement, the University cannot buy or pay any supplier who is debarred from doing business with the federal government. The federal government classifies these suppliers as "debarred or excluded". This same requirement also prevents the University from reimbursing any individual for goods or services obtained from a debarred or excluded supplier.
In order to comply with this regulation it is imperative that employees verify that a supplier has not been "debarred or excluded" prior to transacting any business with the supplier. This applies to all procurement and disbursement transactions including, but not limited to, payments to external consultants, independent contractors for professional services, entertainers and performers, one-time lecture fees and construction and renovation.
If Procurement Services receives a procurement or payment request for a "debarred or excluded" supplier the document will be returned unprocessed to the authorized signer of the transaction.
These required actions apply to all Purchase Orders (PO's) and ePayments
Procedures
Using suppliers listed in BuySite: All suppliers listed in BuySite have been screened and are not in the federal "debarred and excluded" listings. Therefore, using one of these vendors requires no additional work on the part of each department.
Using suppliers listed on the AP System. All suppliers listed in AP System have been screened and are not in the federal "debarred and excluded" listings. Therefore, using one of these vendors requires no additional work on the part of each department.
Using Suppliers Not Listed in BuySite or the AP System: Departments' employees will now be required to verify a supplier's debarred or excluded status, each time, prior to making any commitment to obtain goods or services. A vendor's current status is obtained by accessing the federal web sites listed below.
https://www.visualcompliance.com/index.html
Prohibited use of vendor/party listed as debarred or excluded from Federal Government business relationships. (in accordance with federal regulations)
No contract, agreement, purchase order, or payment by the University is allowed at any time to such vendors or parties. Do not initiate a request for contract, agreement, purchase order or payment for these vendors or parties. The University will cancel any contracts, agreements, or purchase orders inadvertently issued, and will return unprocessed any invoices submitted for payment.