ETHICS STATEMENT

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to conducting its business affairs in a fair and ethical manner. Vendors are expected to apply fair, ethical and legal trade practices when doing business with the University. Vendor representatives are welcome to visit the University, but are expected to conduct themselves as guests, and act in a proper, business-like manner. Whenever possible, vendor representatives should make appointments in advance before visiting with University faculty and staff.

Vendors are encouraged to negotiate agreements with the University which provide favorable terms such as special pricing, delivery, and payment conditions. When a vendor offers special pricing and terms to the University, the University expects such pricing and terms to be extended to all of its schools and administrative offices.

Once a business relationship has been established, the University expects an agreement's terms to be honored at all times. Should the University have reason to believe that a vendor has abrogated the terms of an agreement, action shall be taken to determine the facts of the matter. Should it be found that the terms of an agreement have been intentionally violated, a vendor shall be held responsible for its actions. An initial incident may result in a discussion with Supply Chain Shared Services personnel, and a vendor's representatives, including its sales manager. A second incident could result in the University temporarily suspending the conduct of business with a vendor. A third incident will result in the University permanently ceasing the conduct of business with a vendor.

The University prohibits vendors from offering its faculty and staff any kinds of incentives, gifts, or gratuities in exchange for conducting business. The University expects its faculty and staff to have no personal interest in suggesting or specifying vendors, and that there be no direct incentives or rewards, financial or otherwise, for conducting business with a vendor.

Should an office/department of the University believe a vendor, or its representatives, has acted in an improper or unethical manner, such behavior should be reported to Supply Chain Shared Services. Likewise, should a vendor believe it has been asked to render goods and/or services to an office/department in a manner contrary to any agreements it has with the University, or act in a manner it considers to be inappropriate, such behavior should be reported to Supply Chain Shared Services.

The transaction of business in a fair and ethical manner that promotes open and fair competition is in the best interests of the University and its business partners. Conducting business in accordance with the principles enunciated in this Statement of Behavior will promote and engender productive, long term, successful business relationships between the Universityand vendors.

For further information concerning the Procurement Ethics, please contact Paul N. Beyer, Director of Purchasing, 443-997-5600.

Supply Chain Shared Services
Johns Hopkins University
[email protected]
last updated 7.28.06