University Business Policies and Procedures Manual

4370
RECEIVING AND PAYING FOR OFF CAMPUS PURCHASES
Effective Date: November 1, 1991
Revised: 07/01/04
Subject to Change Without Notice

Authorized by UNM Regents' Policy 7.4. "Purchasing"

1. General

Proper receiving procedures are critical to the purchasing cycle. The University will not pay for any purchase of goods or services unless the department certifies that the goods or services have been received and are satisfactory. Failure to follow procedures described herein can cause damaged shipments to be accepted with no recourse, vendor payments to be delayed, and the University's loss of certain legal rights under the "Uniform Commercial Code" which governs these transactions. The department receiving the purchase is responsible for following these procedures when receiving goods or services, processing related damage claims, returning goods, or requesting payment for goods or services.

2. Shipments

Shipments are delivered to the department. Prior to signing the delivery receipt, the goods delivered should be checked against the delivery receipt and any discrepancies should be noted (such as number of packages received compared to quantity shown on the carrier's delivery receipt, any apparent damage to packaging or merchandise, etc). Sign the delivery receipt, indicating the department name, date received, number of packages received, and any discrepancies. Have the driver initial and date any notation made on the delivery receipt. If any of the shipment is acceptable, prepare a partial Receiving Report.

2.1. Damaged Goods

If a department discovers damage while checking the goods received, the packing and wrapping materials (including names, addresses, etc.) should be preserved for inspection by the carrier. Departments must make arrangements with the vendor for inspection of the damaged material, file a damage claim, and return the goods if necessary. The carrier will not process a claim unless merchandise and packaging are inspected together. If potentially hazardous substances are involved, contact the University Office of Hazardous Waste Management.

2.1.1. The department must notify the vendor of any damaged or duplicate shipments within fifteen (15) days from receipt and request an inspection. Make a notation of the request for inspection on the packing list. Include the date the department made the request and the name of the vendor's representative. The following information will be necessary upon notifying the vendor:

• carrier's name;
• carrier's delivery receipt number;
• shipper's name;
• items damaged/nature of damage;
• invoice value of damaged items; and
• location where damaged items are being held for inspection.

2.1.2. After an inspection has been requested, the carrier has five (5) working days to make the inspection; otherwise the carrier waives the right to inspect. If this should occur, a standard claim form must be requested from the carrier. If the carrier elects to inspect the damage, an inspection report is completed and the department will receive the original.

2.1.3. For concealed damage, when no evidence of damage of any kind was apparent at the time of delivery, follow the procedures in Sections 2.1. through 2.1.2. herein. A request for inspection of damaged merchandise must be made as soon as the concealed damage is discovered.

2.2. Missing Items

Shipments that do not include all items indicated as "shipped" on the packing slip must be brought to the vendor's attention immediately. Request that missing items be shipped using the original Purchase Order number. The department and the University Accounts Payable Department must make certain that the vendor does not invoice twice for the same items.

2.3. Unordered Items

To return unordered items, contact the vendor and request a "Return Goods Authorization" (RGA) number and instructions for returning the unwanted items. After items have been returned, the vendor should issue a credit memo which cancels any previous charges for the returned items.

2.4. Excess Items

To keep any excess items the department must notify the Purchasing Department. Complete the Receiving Report noting that a modification has been requested.

The Purchasing Department should be contacted if a department continues to experience delay or other problems resolving a damaged, duplicate, or short shipment.

3. Payments

The department is responsible for following the procedures in this policy to ensure timely payment to the vendor. Payment shall be rendered in accordance with Section 13-1-158 of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, 1978, to ensure that the goods or services have been received and accepted. The vendor should send the original invoices for all purchases directly to the Accounts Payable Department; if the invoice is sent to the department, send it immediately to the Accounts Payable Department. Invoices for partial shipments must be processed promptly to ensure timely payment to the vendor and to prevent vendor delays in shipping the balance of the department order. Failure to promptly authorize and process partial payments for partial shipments will result in credit problems with vendors.

3.1. Receiving Reports

Receiving Reports notify the Accounts Payable Department that goods or services ordered have been delivered to and received by the department. The Accounts Payable Department must have an approved Receiving Report on file before payment is made. Departments should prepare the Receiving Report on Banner Finance and submit it electronically. The department should keep the packing slips in their files. The department should notify the Accounts Payable Department within five (5) days if any errors are discovered. Note on the Receiving Report if a shipment shows obvious damage and tell the Accounts Payable Department to stop payment if the goods received are not satisfactory.

3.2. Payment for Services

Payment for services from "Independent Contractors" are processed through the Accounts Payable Department. Refer to the "Purchasing Services Off Campus" Policy 4325, UBP for a thorough explanation of the types of services that qualify and the documentation required for payment. The department must notify the Accounts Payable Department that services have been received according to specifications. The University must report payments for specific services to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on form 1099. Actual expenses incurred by an independent contractor are not 1099 reportable when original receipts are submitted for reimbursement. The individual must attach a signed statement itemizing expenses.

3.3. Prepayments

The University does not allow payment prior to the actual delivery of goods or services without written approval from the accounting office and the University Director of Purchasing. Prepayment is permitted only under Section 13-1-98 of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, 1978, by exclusion of the purchase from the "Procurement Code." Once a prepayment is made, the burden for ensuring delivery of goods and services rests solely with the ordering department.

3.3.1. Occasionally a vendor will require payment with an order. The department should attempt to locate another suitable vendor for the goods or services. If no other appropriate vendor can be found, the department should prepare a Direct Pay Request form (for pre-approved transactions) or contact the Purchasing Department.

3.4. Stop Payments

The department must immediately contact the Accounts Payable Department if a payment must be canceled.

Comments may be sent to UBPPM@UNM.edu
http://www.unm.edu/~ubppm