TABLE 12.

Roles and responsibilities for purchasing services and supplies

Activity	Role(s) and/or responsibility(ies)
	Institution	Microbiology laboratory management	Microbiology staff
Before decision to purchase products or services or renewal of an agreement	Negotiate best price, terms, and conditions	Establish criteria for the selection of quality products and services	Provide input into the level of quality required for products and services
Purchasing of products or services	Place orders accurately and promptly	Address deficiencies with vendors	Monitor inventory and place orders
	Inform users of backorders or unavailability of products
After receipt of products or services	Timely payment of purchases	Document nonconformities Keep performance records to inform renewal or terminate agreements	Inform management of incomplete orders or lack of service
			Monitor quality of the products and services received