Policies
Purchasing is responsible for the negotiation and procurement of all commodities and services at Equitable Gas. Therefore, it is essential that our suppliers comply with this policy and conduct business with the purchasing department.
Ethics
Purchasing will conduct business with Equitable Gas suppliers in an ethical and objective manner.
Reciprocity
It is against the policy of Equitable Gas to require a supplier to use our products and services as a condition of conducting business with Equitable Gas.
Policies – Sales Contracts & Interviews
Please make all sales contracts through the purchasing department, whose employees have the responsibility for initiating, conducting and concluding all negotiations affecting purchase order prices, terms and deliveries. When technical assistance is required, you will be referred to the proper personnel.
It is not our intention to restrict contacts with Equitable Gas to the purchasing department, but only to assure that the department is included so that the purchasing process is coordinated and efficient. This also insures equal opportunity to all suppliers on a competitive basis.
Policies – Quotation Policy
The Equitable Gas procurement policy emphasizes competitive bidding. Our policy dictates that quotations shall be requested from at least three qualified suppliers whenever possible or from all sources if less than three suppliers are available.
Quotations are solicited via the most direct recognized sales channel of the manufacturer, making certain the obligations and responsibilities of the principal supplier are in no way lessened or confused by transactions through a third party.
All quotations must be submitted in writing, except where emergency situations or local conditions dictate otherwise.
Policies – Price Analysis
Equitable Gas sourcing agents are required to expend procurement dollars in order to obtain the best possible value for the company. To accomplish this, standardization, cost analysis and price trends are considered. We realize the importance of our suppliers' contribution to our efforts and welcome any suggestions or information.
Policies – Purchase Commitments
You should be aware that purchasing department personnel are the only employees who can commit Equitable Gas to any vendor, source of supply or give final approval on prices, terms and deliveries. Copies all correspondence should be forwarded to the appropriate sourcing agent.
Policies – Supplier Relations
Our sourcing agents welcome the opportunity to talk with you in order to be fully aware of the most current developments in new or substitute parts, materials or products, along with price and quality changes.
Policies – Selection and Evaluation of Sources
Fair and impartial treatment is guaranteed to all suppliers and their representatives. Ability, capacity, integrity, financial status, geographical location, performance, reliability, quality of product, cost of product, delivery, and overall customer-supplier relations are factors which govern the evaluation of all sources prior to soliciting their quotation and during the tenure of the purchase order.
In an effort to improve both the quality and cost of our products, we are constantly searching for suppliers who can meet our needs.
We expect all suppliers and contractors to be knowledgeable of and comply with all local, state and federal laws, codes, rules and regulations, as well as being aware of any local, state or federal agencies which regulate their product or materials and issue regulations, permits or certificates pursuant thereto. Equitable Gas expects that if requested, required certifications will be immediately presented.
Policies – Cash Discounts
Cash discounts are of mutual advantage to Equitable Gas and its suppliers. They are requested in accordance with accounting preference and always considered as a factor in cost comparisons.