Authority to Engage in Contracts for Goods and Services

The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees has the sole responsibility and authority to enter into purchase contracts on behalf of the District.  To accomplish this, they shall adopt policies and procedures governing purchase of supplies, equipment, and services.  The Board also has the authority to delegate this responsibility as they deem necessary.

Related Board Policies and Administrative Procedures

According to Education Codes § 70902(d), 81655, 81656, the Board of Trustees can delegate and authorize District employees to engage in purchasing commitments. These are adopted in the following NOCCCD Board and Administrative Policies:

• BP 6100 Delegation of Authority: The Board designated the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Facilities, the authority to supervise the proper administration of property and contracts and the acquisition of supplies, equipment and property.
• AP 6150 Designation of Authority: The Chancellor has appointed various positions as authorized signers for orders and other transactions including:
  • Checks, Contract Agreements of $5,000 or less (excluding grant agreements):
    • Chancellor
    • Vice Chancellors
    • College Presidents
    • Provost
    • Vice President, Administrative Services
    • Director, Fiscal Affairs,
    • Manager, Administrative Services
  • Purchase of Supplies, Materials, Apparatus Equipment, and Services not to exceed the amounts specified by the Public Contract Code § 20651. Construction services not to exceed the amount specified by Public Contract Code § 22030.
    • Chancellor
    • Vice Chancellor, Finance & Facilities
    • District Director, Purchasing
  • BP 6330 Purchasing/Warehouse: The Vice Chancellor, Finance & Facilities, or the District Director, Purchasing, is delegated the authority to purchase supplies, materials, apparatus equipment as necessary for the efficient operation of the District. No such purchases shall exceed the amount specified by Public Contract Code § 20651 as adjusted annually.
    
    The purchasing responsibility and function shall be centralized in the District Purchasing Department. Purchases shall not be made in the name of the District without an authorized Purchase Order, except that in an emergency when any repair, alteration, work, or improvement necessary to permit the continuance of existing school classes, or to avoid danger to life or person, authorized persons may make purchases after the approval by the District Director, Purchasing. All such purchases shall be reported to the Purchasing Department for issuance of a purchase order as soon as possible.
    
    If any sales representative chooses to write an order based on a visit to any staff member without an authorized Purchase Order from the Purchasing Department, they have made a personal sale, and the District does not have any liability to honor the purchase.
  • BP 2710 Conflict of Interest: Government Code §1090 states that governing board members and employees of a district shall not be financially interested in any contract made by them in their official capacity or by anybody of which they are members. Contracts include preliminary discussions, negotiations, the drawing up of plans, specifications and solicitation for bids. Contracts in violation of Section 1090 are invalid, and willful violation of Section 1090 is a criminal offense.