Frequently Asked Questions

Purchasing Department Guiding Ethical Values

AltaPointe’s Purchasing Department is charged with managing the relationships with our vendors, assuring them of a full and fair hearing, and maintaining a level playing field with respect to bids, proposals, agreements and contracts.

The Purchasing Department staff are held to a high ethical standard in our relationships with all vendors of AltaPointe.  We believe it is important for you, as a prime trading partner, to understand our vendor policies regarding vendor relationships and our responsibility to enforce those policies.

In addition to being bound by the overall AltaPointe code of conduct and its guidance on gifts and amenities from vendors, Purchasing Department staff cannot accept gifts or amenities from vendors under any circumstances. Please ask your representatives who interact with the AltaPointe Purchasing Department not to offer any gifts or amenities of any value and to avoid placing any of our staff in any situation that could affect their employment with AltaPointe.

When can I make deliveries or appointments?

Refer to the General Guidelines for Vendor Conduct to better understand AltaPointe policies. If you have any questions about these policies and guidelines, email Purchasing@AltaPointe.org

What if I still have a question concerning the purchasing practices at AltaPointe Health?

Our intention is for all interactions with our vendors to be fully transparent. While we have provided clear guidelines, questions may arise.  If you have any questions about these policies and guidelines, email Purchasing@AltaPointe.org.

What happens if my company is unable to agree with these policies?

These policies are closely aligned with AltaPointe’s core values and mission.  It is important that our vendors have a clear understanding of our values and share in the delivery of our mission. Your compliance with these processes and policies will define your role in the AltaPointe Purchasing Department network.

Who do I contact if a customer’s requests may violate my organization’s or AltaPointe’s code of conduct?

Please refer to Guiding Ethical Values. If you still have questions or concerns, contact the Purchasing Department Manager or Director of Finance and Accounting.

What if my customer states they are an approved contract signer?

Please refer to AltaPointe Purchasing Department’s Contracting Policy

Are Purchase Orders required for payment of goods and services?

Yes.  AltaPointe requires that a valid purchase order be issued prior to the delivery of goods or services from every vendor, with the exception of routine orders.

Who are the decision-makers for my company’s product?

The Purchasing Department will consult with our divisions, programs and locations to ensure we have high quality cost-effective products.  However, the contracting and pricing discussions rest with AltaPointe Purchasing Department and upper leadership within Finance & Accounting.

Purchasing Department Mission

As a department of Finance & Accounting, the Purchasing Department will provide procurement expertise to assure the timely acquisition and distribution of goods and services for the continuum in accordance with policies and procedures established by AltaPointe Health Systems, Inc. We are committed to working with all departments of the company to identify, develop, and implement procurement practices that will find the right products and services to meet the support needs of AltaPointe.

Purchasing Department Policies

Contracting Policy

  • Relationships with vendors are managed only through the Purchasing Department.
  • Contract/agreement negotiations are only conducted by the Purchasing Department.
  • No disbursements will be issued without the approval of the Purchasing Department through properly executed Purchase Orders issued prior to the delivery of goods or the performance of services.
  • AltaPointe divisions, programs and locations will obtain the appropriate departmental authorization and contact the Purchasing Department prior to contacting vendors.
  • Contract signing authority is limited to the designated AltaPointe Corporate Officers only.
  • Vendors will adhere to AltaPointe terms & conditions. Any exceptions will need to be reviewed and may promote delays.

Price Parity Policy

  • Vendors will provide pricing consistency across all AltaPointe divisions, programs and locations.
  • Contracts facilitated by the Purchasing Department are applicable to all AltaPointe divisions, programs and locations.

Routine Order Form Policy

  • The Purchasing Department is solely responsible for the addition, deletion, or changes to items on the routine order forms for office and janitorial supplies.
  • The Purchasing Department will not add items where acceptable alternatives are currently in the AltaPointe Purchasing Department order guides.
  • The Purchasing Department will not add items without the additional approval of the upper leadership when additional costs will be incurred.

Vendor Access Policy

  • All vendors must follow each AltaPointe divisions, programs and locations; local access plan, which may include being escorted by AltaPointe staff.
  • Local access plans should include a requirement for the vendor to stipulate the purpose of the visit and whether an advance appointment has been made.
  • The AltaPointe Purchasing Department will assist managers of divisions, programs and locations to insure compliance with their vendor access plans.

No PO – No Pay Policy

  • To ensure AltaPointe pay only for goods and services which have been properly ordered and authorized, invoices must contain a valid PO number for non-routine purchases.
  • The vendor will receive a Purchase Order number from the Purchasing Department prior to any commitment made.
  • Routine purchases for items such as office and janitorial supplies do not require a PO number.

Purchasing Department Vendor Application Process

Vendors who wish to do business with AltaPointe must follow the appropriate steps to be considered and approved. To expedite the process and insure fair practices, we ask vendors to adhere to the procedures. To begin the process, visit the Vendor Forms and Information page.

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