Northern Illinois University
Ethics and Compliance Office
Office of the President

Per the Illinois Procurement Code and the Illinois Administrative Code, employees conducting material communications with prospective or current vendors in advance of completing a university procurement or change order must report those written or oral communications through the  maintained by the Illinois Procurement Policy Board (PPB). Training and reference materials are available for all university employees and are provided by NIU Procurement Services and Contract Management. 

Generally, any communication involving the solicitation, review, evaluation, decision or negotiation of a purchase is reportable along with any communications involving change orders, renewals, or extensions of a contract. Exceptions to the reporting requirement are outlined by the PPB and the Executive Ethics Commission is expected to provide further guidance regarding application of the reporting requirements.

Exceptions include necessary communication or inquiries following completion of a purchase, communication involving the administration and implementation of an existing contract (unrelated to a change order, renewal or extension), and certain communications conducted in a public forum or open meeting. NIU Procurement Services and Contract Management will continue to implement necessary procedures concerning this compliance requirement.

Reports submitted to the PPB will be available for viewing by the general public. Questions regarding specific situations where reporting may be required should be directed to director of Procurement Services and Contract Management, at 815-753-1671 or email PSCM@niu.edu.