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Best Value Procurement

SFA purchases goods and services on a best value basis. Purchasing guidelines are governed by Texas Education Code 51.9335 and university policies and procedures approved by the university's Board of Regents. Stephen F. Austin State University is an independent university and is not part of any system.

Fraud and Ethics

SFA maintains policies regarding fraudulent or unethical conduct that establish examples of acceptable and unacceptable conduct as well as procedures and responsibilities for detecting, reporting and resolving instances of known or suspected fraudulent activity, and prescribe a coordinated approach toward investigation and resolution of fraudulent activity. Learn more by visiting our Fraud and Ethics page.

Payments

If a procurement card is not used, an official purchase order or a direct pay are methods for the purchase of goods obligating payment on behalf of SFA. The university assumes no liability for payment of obligations except those incurred in accordance with current purchasing policies and procedures. To ensure prompt payment the purchase order number must be referenced on shipping labels and invoices. In accordance with state law, standard payment terms are Net 30 upon receipt of goods or correct invoice, whichever is later. Early payment with a discount may be negotiated. Late fees will be paid in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act of Texas.

PaymentWorks Outside Vendor Onboarding

SFA has a partnership with PaymentWorks, a supplier information management platform that automates the collection, verification and updating of supplier information. Suppliers will be able to manage their company's identity, view the status of invoices, remittances, and supply information for electronic payment.

Consult our PaymentWorks page for a list of frequently asked questions and to learn about the registration process.

Purchases

Procurement Cards

University departments have the ability to make limited purchases up to $5,000 with a university procurement card.

Purchase Orders

Read SFA's standard Purchase Order General Terms and Conditions.

Prevailing Wage Complaints

If you suspect a prevailing wage violation, see SFA's procedures for filing a prevailing wage complaint.

Tax Exempt Status

SFA is exempt from paying State of Texas sales tax, use tax and hotel occupancy tax. Our Tax Exemption page explains how to certify exemption with a vendor, as well as how to claim exemption in Texas and out-of-state.