acronym

Social Value is the additional benefit resulting from investments, initiatives and activities that go beyond the direct delivery of services or products. This value may be generated for the local community, society as a whole, or both. The aim of Social Value in procurement is to ensure contracts are awarded responsibly and with consideration to […]

SVRQ (Standard Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire) The Standard Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire (SVRQ) is a tool used in procurement to assess the suitability and readiness of vendors prior to awarding contracts. The SVRQs allow buyers to fairly evaluate potential vendors on important categories such as work experience, financial history, insurance coverage, and references. This ensures that only […]

SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities & Threats) SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. In procurement, it is a comprehensive analytical tool used to assess the current and potential performance of an organization’s business strategy. It entails examining internal strengths and weaknesses in order to identify external opportunities and potential threats. By assessing these four […]

Time & Materials (T&M) is an official business definition of a contractual arrangement in which payments are based on the actual process value of labor and materials used for completion of work. This type of procurement agreement typically involves services which are characterized by unique or variable scope that cannot be easily specified in advance, […]

The Technical Architecture Review Board (TAR) is a procurement process used to acquire products and services for professional business needs. The TAR board reviews vendor proposals and makes the final selection based on technical functionality, cost-effectiveness, quality of services, risk assessment, implementation strategy, and time-to-market. The TAR Board is comprised of representatives from diverse departments […]

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a metric used in procurement to measure the total cost of an asset or project over its entire life cycle. TCO captures more than just the upfront purchase cost of an asset; it also takes into account associated costs such as maintenance, operation, and […]

TCS (Telecommunication Connectivity Services) Telecommunications Connectivity Services (TCS) are internet and/or phone services used to facilitate communication between two or more parties. This includes, but is not limited to, voice services, data transmission, video conferencing, and cloud computing. TCS are used by businesses of all sizes for a variety of purposes such as internal communications, […]

Truck Load (TL) is a procurement term used to describe the full load capacity of a single truck. A TL is typically measured by volume or weight, depending on the kind of goods being shipped. A single truck may be able to carry multiple TLs on a single route or shipment. The TL metric is […]

The Toyota Production System (TPS) is an integrated approach to manufacturing and logistics. It seeks to reduce costs and improve efficiency through the use of standardized processes, optimized workflow, short delivery times, and highly motivated employees. TPS works by breaking down the barriers between departments, such as procurement and production. The goal of this integration […]

Total Quality Management (TQL) is a systematic approach to improving business processes, products, and services in order to meet or exceed customer expectations. It focuses on optimizing quality throughout the organization, from procurement of raw materials all the way through to delivery of the final product. TQL requires active participation from all levels of the […]

Terms and Conditions, or Ts & Cs, are clauses that outline the responsibilities of multiple parties in a contractual agreement. These may include specifications about payment, delivery, liability, termination, and more. The purpose of Ts & Cs is to ensure that all parties involved understand their obligations and avoid any potential disputes or misunderstandings. By […]

Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) in procurement refer to a set of agreements between two parties outlining the legal obligations of each. They include things like payment terms, delivery timelines, ownership rights, liabilities and warranties, and any other essential details of the agreement. By signing and agreeing on these T&Cs, both parties are held accountable for […]

Third sector organizations (TSOs) are non-governmental and non-profit entities such as charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, and co-operatives. These organizations aim to achieve “social good” by delivering services that improve the lives of local communities. They operate independently from governments or commercial businesses and often provide an important public service. In the context of procurement, […]

Tank Wagon (TW) is a term used in procurement to refer to an automobile or truck with a tank or reservoir for the purpose of transporting and dispensing liquids, gases, or other materials. It is typically used for the transport of large quantities of hazardous materials, such as fuel, chemicals, or biobased products. TWs are […]

UAT (User acceptance testing) User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a quality assurance process in which an individual or group of individuals tests a product, service, or system to identify any potential issues that may arise with its implementation before it is made available. UAT ensures the product meets the needs and expectations of the end […]

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a set of laws governing commercial and business transactions in the United States. It is an incredibly comprehensive code which covers everything from contracts to sales to financing arrangements. In the context of procurement, the UCC describes the various legal processes, responsibilities, and regulations that govern the sale and […]

The Unified Certification Program (UCP) is a business procurement system designed to streamline and simplify the process of acquiring goods and services. It enables businesses to access a large network of vendors who have been certified to meet specific standards by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This certification guarantees that products purchased through […]

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a hierarchically structured international classification system used to describe products, services, and research activities. It provides a unified, comprehensive, and global framework for clearly identifying all products and services within the procurement process. It helps reduce ambiguity while providing an efficient way for buyers and […]

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a global hierarchy of product and service categories used for procurement. Developed by the United Nations Statistics Division, it is an efficient way to classify goods and services in global procurement processes. UNSPSC is divided into four levels: Segment, Family, Class and Commodity/Service. These levels […]

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a standard barcode system used prominently in the retail industry for purchasing and record-keeping purposes. UPCs contain 11 or 12 digits that identify a specific product, such as its manufacturer, size, and type. This helps retailers to quickly and accurately process products at checkout, as well as keep track […]

The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) is an independent, globally recognized authority that provides certifications to industry professionals in the public procurement sector. Their mission is to ensure that public procurement processes are conducted with the highest levels of professional responsibility, integrity, and ethical standards. UPPCC certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment […]

The United States Code (USC) is a codification of the general and permanent laws of the United States organized into titles according to subject matter. It serves as a comprehensive reference for all federal laws in areas such as public contracts and procurement, intellectual property, taxation, transportation, communications, banking-related law, and veteran’s benefits. The USC […]

Value Added Resellers (VARs) are third-party companies that partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to sell software, hardware and other related services. VARs play an important role in the procurement process by providing specialized expertise on specific products or services which can help a company make informed decisions. VARs also serve as intermediaries between OEMs […]

Value added tax (VAT) is an indirect consumption tax imposed on the sale of goods and services within a country. In procurement, VAT is generally charged at the end of the purchasing process, adding to the total cost of a purchase. As it is an indirect tax, businesses are entitled to claim back any fees […]

A Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) is a procurement designation that identifies businesses that are owned or controlled by veterans. It includes service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and companies owned by veterans in the reservist component of the U.S. military. The designation ensures that these businesses have access to federal contracts and other opportunities to support […]

The Veteran’s Business Verification Program (VETBIZ) is a government initiative designed to empower veteran-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) by providing access to contract opportunities. This program, governed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), is intended to strengthen the economic livelihood of veteran entrepreneurs and promote greater competition in the procurement process. In […]

Value for Money (VFM) is a procurement term used to refer to the most cost-efficient and effective means of providing goods and services. VFM is achieved by identifying and pursuing opportunities for cost savings, optimizing contracts, or leveraging additional value from suppliers through collaborative approaches. Using VFM principles enables organizations to maximize the return on […]

A Vendor Identification Number (VIN) is a unique numerical identifier used by organizations in procurement and data management operations. It serves as an essential “fingerprint” for cataloguing goods, services, and contracts associated with vendors. The VIN is a critical component of any vendor relationship, allowing for the identification and tracking of orders, invoices, payments, collections, […]

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals with a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. In the context of procurement, VOCs refer to substances found in industrial processes that have potential risks in terms of environmental and health concerns. Common sources of VOCs include fuel storage tanks, paint cans, and petroleum-based products. It is […]

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) is a term used in procurement to refer to a small business that is at least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more veterans of the U.S. military. VOSBs are eligible to receive certain benefits when bidding on federal government contracts, including a competitive edge over other businesses […]

The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is a calculation used by businesses to evaluate their procurement options. It is defined as the rate of return that a business must earn on its financial investments to compensate for the risk taken in procuring those assets. The WACC takes into account the total cost of equity […]

Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) are for-profit companies owned, operated and controlled by women who are US citizens. In the realm of procurement, WBEs are certified companies that provide similar services as minority businesses, however, they lack racial or ethnic certification status. Furthermore, WBEs benefit from increased access to large corporations and government contracts due to […]

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the nation’s leading authority on third-party certification of women-owned businesses, providing a standard for verifying that businesses are 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women. By achieving WBENC certification, women entrepreneurs demonstrate to corporate America that their companies are duly qualified as legitimate business partners in the […]

Workers’ Compensation is an official program that provides financial assistance to workers who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. It is managed by the state and typically funded through employer contributions to a claims fund. The purpose of the program is to ensure that employees receive the correct and timely medical care, income replacement, and […]

The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is a national insurance program which provides benefits to workers who are injured, and/or become ill due to their work. The WCB provides financial support for medical treatment, lost wages, death benefits as well as assistance in rehabilitating injured workers and returning them to the workforce. It is an important […]

XaaS, or Anything as a Service, is a means of delivering digital services, such as software, hardware, and platforms, over the internet. It enables organizations to gain access to specialized services on an ‘as needed’ basis without having to purchase licenses or infrastructure. With this model of procurement, businesses can quickly and cost-effectively access the […]

Year-to-Date (YTD) is a business term used to reference the sum of all procurement operations that have occurred during a specific financial year up to the present date. It is an effective way for companies to measure their progress and evaluate the success of their procurement strategies over a given time period. YTD reports provide […]

The Purchaser Notification Service (PNS) is a business process for the exchange of information between buyers and suppliers. It serves as an automated alert system that informs participants in government procurement contracts when an event or milestone has occurred or is about to occur. This notification service enables effective communication by providing timely, relevant information […]

PO (Purchase Order) A Purchase Order (PO) is a legally binding document that initiates the procurement process between a buyer and seller. It serves as an agreement and communication of terms between the two parties, outlining quantities, products, prices, delivery dates, payment terms, and other requirements. The PO also acts as an authorization for the […]

Price On Application (POA) is an official business definition used in procurement. It refers to a pricing arrangement where the cost of an item or service is not specified but available on application. It allows businesses to work with vendors to determine the most competitive and fair price for supplies. POA provides flexibility for company-vendor […]

POWL (Personal Object Work List) POWL, or Personal Object Work List, is a type of procurement that enables professional buyers to identify purchase requirements in the form of a list of objects. The list of items can range from products and services to documents and orders. This procurement process provides buyers with a standardized, efficient […]

The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a metric used to measure and analyze changes in the prices of goods and services sold by producers. It is a prevailing measure of inflation, helping businesses make more informed decisions about pricing and procurement strategies. The PPI takes into account the cost of raw materials, labor, overhead, and […]

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are collaborative agreements between a public agency and a private company, typically formed to finance, construct, or operate a public project. A PPP is a contractual arrangement between two or more public and private entities that bring together their respective resources and expertise to achieve shared goals or objectives. The goal of […]

Purchase Price Variance (PPV) is the difference between the price budgeted for an item and the actual price paid for that item. In procurement, PPV can be used to measure the efficiency of purchasing decisions and indicate whether there is adequate control over pricing in the purchasing process. Companies should strive to achieve a PPV […]

Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) are documents used to evaluate potential vendors during the procurement process. These questionnaires provide a structured platform for evaluating a vendor’s qualifications, credentials, financial stability, and past successes. Through completion of the PQQ, vendors demonstrate their understanding of the project scope, timelines, budget, and deliverables. Vendors use this as an opportunity to […]

The term PR in procurement stands for Purchase Request, a formal request to purchase goods or services from an external supplier. A PR must include all necessary details regarding the desired item or service, including quantity, specifications, delivery timeframe, and expected cost. This document is used to initiate the purchasing process, with the aim of […]

Procurement Services (PS) is the official business term for activities related to purchasing goods or services. This includes sourcing, negotiating and selecting vendors, and optimizing procurement contracts for the best price and terms while still meeting the needs of the customer. It also involves managing preferred suppliers and getting the necessary approvals. PS helps organizations […]

Plan-to-Procure (PTP) is a structured procurement approach wherein an organization takes a systematic, planned approach to identify and source the right services, goods, or materials necessary to meet its objectives. It involves evaluating current supplier contracts as well as market trends and conditions in order to make informed decisions on the best procurement plan. The […]

A Prior Information Notice (PIN) is an official business document issued by public procurement bodies to promote competition and ensure a fair process for procuring goods, services and works. It provides interested providers of such goods, services and works with the opportunity to present their offers prior to the formal opening of tenders. PINs can […]

PLC (Private limited company) A Private Limited Company (PLC) is a business entity incorporated under the laws of a state or country. It is a limited liability company with fewer owners, often owned by individuals or other legal entities. PLCs are characterized by their independent management and limited transferability of ownership interests. They generally have […]

The Purchasing Memorandum (PM) is an official statement issued by a business or organization, outlining how their purchasing and procurement process should be conducted. It serves to clarify the steps for users of the system to purchase goods or services from outside sources, including details such as payment terms, preferred suppliers, acceptable quality standards, delivery […]

Pre-Market Engagement (PME) is a proactive approach in the procurement process that seeks to engage market participants prior to entering into formal tender activities. PME enables procurers to gain a better understanding of the current state of the market, better inform their procurement strategies, and enhance supplier engagement to meet needs more effectively. Through careful […]

Procurement Guidelines (PG) define the procurement processes and procedures to be followed by an organization. These guidelines are designed to protect the interests of the organization, determine best practices for purchasing decisions, optimize resources and promote accountability and transparency throughout the process. PGs also provide guidance on risk management, quality assurance and selection methods for […]

Piggybacking, or PGB for short, is a term used to describe an arrangement between two entities to collaborate on the procurement of goods or services. Under this agreement, one entity will either act as a bidder or agent on behalf of the other, or both entities may bid simultaneously with an understanding that the successful […]

Procure-To-Invoice (P2I) is an essential part of the procurement cycle that ensures every step involved in procuring goods or services is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. P2I includes tasks such as creating purchase orders, tracking incoming shipments, verifying invoices, approving payment for goods/services received, and closing out purchase orders once the items have […]

The Purchasing Agent (PA) is a key figure in procurement, tasked with the responsibility of sourcing and purchasing goods and services that meet the needs of an organization. The PA acts as an intermediary between the buyer and the seller, negotiating favorable terms for both parties while ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction. As a […]

A Procurement Card (PCard) is a corporate payment card that simplifies the procure-to-pay process. It enables organizations to make payments directly from their accounts and provides a level of oversight, control and security for business purchases. PCards offer businesses a more efficient way to manage and track procurement expenses, which can result in cost savings, […]

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of technical and operational requirements used to secure payment card data in business environments. It is an information security standard for organizations that store, process, or transmit cardholder data provided by payment providers such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. PCI-DSS is […]

Plan Driven Procurement (PDP) is a comprehensive procurement approach for large and/or complex products or services that involves the development of well-defined execution plans before establishing the agreement. The PDP approach ensures that all stakeholders are given an opportunity to provide input, allowing for better decision making and higher quality agreements. It also ensures expectations […]

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is an integrated technology suite that enables businesses to streamline and optimize their customer interactions. In procurement, CRM helps ensure the effective management of relationships between a business and its customers. The system allows a business to store, track and manage customer information and data in order to enhance communication with […]

The Contractor Responsibility Program (CRP) is a comprehensive set of contractual terms and conditions designed to ensure that all contractors hired by an organization meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and ethical behavior. By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can protect themselves from financial and legal risks associated with contractor services. The CRP outlines […]

The Contractor Responsibility Program System (CRPS) is a comprehensive system designed to ensure that only responsible contractors are selected for federal procurement projects. It seeks to ensure that contractors meet legal, financial, and business compliance requirements in order to provide the best services or products for the government. The CRPS provides consistent guidance during the […]

The Commodity Specialist (CS) in procurement is responsible for providing expert guidance and managing all aspects of the purchase, lease, or sale of goods or services for an organization. This includes researching new suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and prices, tracking purchasing trends, and developing procurement strategies. The CS must stay up to date on industry […]

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in procurement is the integration of social, environmental, human rights, and ethical considerations into decision-making and operations with the aim of creating a positive impact on society. By adhering to principles of CSR in procurement, companies can ensure that their goods and services are developed and acquired […]

Delivered at Place (DAP) is a delivery model in which the supplier delivers the goods to a particular location specified by the buyer. This may include any costs of loading onto the vehicle, unloading from the vehicle, and transportation costs to the specified delivery place according to the International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms rules. DAP […]

DAT, short for “Delivered at Terminal”, is an international trade term used in procurement agreements. It refers to a sale in which goods are delivered when they are unloaded at the agreed upon terminal destination. This term implies that the seller carries out all of the transportation costs and delivers the goods unladen to the […]

Designated Contract (DC) in procurement is a business term used to identify a preferred supplier. This designation is applied to the suppliers who provide the most advantageous goods and services to a particular organization, based on set criteria such as cost savings, quality performance, reduced lead times, and increased operational efficiency. By favoring this select […]

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is a Pennsylvania state agency charged with creating jobs, communities and economic opportunity. DCED works in partnership with local governments, businesses, and organizations to foster economic development and job growth, stimulate private investment, strengthen the fiscal health of local governments, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensure responsible […]

The Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) is responsible for overseeing and steering the procurement of information technology products, services, and solutions across an organization. They are the primary liaison between the organization and vendors, ensuring that all contracts align with the organization’s vision and overall IT strategy. DCIOs must be highly knowledgeable in a variety […]

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Procurement is responsible for developing formal, competitively sourced contracts to support the department’s mission of managing and protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources. This includes providing leadership in environmental protection, acquisition and management of public lands, stewardship of state park and forest resources, and providing opportunities for citizens to […]

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is a business term used in international trade contracts, which requires the seller to deliver goods to the buyer, and pay all costs including import customs clearance and applicable taxes. The seller is also responsible for any damage to or losses of the goods incurred during transit. DDP contracts provide a […]

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is an agency of the government whose primary purpose is to ensure that the environment and natural resources of a given region are protected. This includes monitoring air and water quality, controlling environmental pollution, and creating sustainable policies for energy and land use. The DEP works in collaboration with […]

The Department of General Services (DGS) is a government organization responsible for the procurement of goods and services for public use. DGS ensures that all purchases are handled in a fair and legal manner, providing clear guidelines and regulations for the acquisition of various materials and resources. Moreover, DGS takes into account ethical considerations such […]

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is a government agency that provides essential services in the areas of health, Mental Health, and Disabilities. DHS’s mission is to provide timely, seamless access to quality human services for individuals and families. On the procurement side, the purpose of DHS is to ensure that goods and services provided […]

Delivery In Full and On Time (DIFOT) is a metric of success used in procurement that evaluates the delivery process from supplier to customer. It is a quality measure that determines if goods are received as per the agreed-upon specifications at the time and place agreed upon. DIFOT is essential for improving customer service and […]

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is a combat support agency and one of the Department of Defense’s largest logistics organizations. It provides global logistics support to military forces, including storage, transportation, acquisition, supply management, and other related services. With its network of more than 3,500 major and minor suppliers, DLA ensures that the U.S. Armed […]

Profit and Loss (P&L) is a financial statement used in procurement to indicate the financial performance of an organization over a specified period of time. It is calculated by subtracting the total expenses of the business from its total income, resulting in either a profit or loss. P&L statements provide organizations with insights into how […]

DMAIC is a problem-solving approach used in the business world to drive improvement in procurement. It stands for Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control. DMAIC facilitates an organized method for accurately assessing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and developing solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of a business. The approach emphasizes the importance of data-driven […]

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is an agency of the state government that provides a range of services to both veterans and members of the military. DMVA is responsible for procuring goods and services on behalf of the federal and state governments for the purpose of veterans’ benefits, medical care, readjustment, and […]

The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD) is an arm of the procurement department responsible for promoting equal opportunity in business, particularly in dealing with minority- and women-owned businesses. Through its various initiatives, DMWBD works to ensure that all entrepreneurs can access important resources like capital and contracting opportunities. The department also strives […]

A Delivery Order (DO) is a legal document issued by a buyer, either in the public or private sector, to confirm an order that has been placed with a supplier. A DO is typically used to order new goods, services or materials and defines the quantity, price and payment terms of items being purchased. It […]

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is an agency that is responsible for the safe and secure housing of individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses. DOC strives to provide social services, supervision, education, job placement, re-entry programs, and more to incarcerated individuals. Additionally, DOC is focused on providing effective correctional services in a partnership […]

The Department of Defense (DoD) defines procurement as the acquisition of goods, services, and construction on behalf of the DoD that are necessary for carrying out its mission. This includes administrative, acquisition-related activities, such as identifying a requirement; issuing contracts, orders, or delivery documents; receiving supplies or services; displaying property accountability; and paying for items […]

The Department of Labor (DOL) is the federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing labor law. Its mission is to ensure a fair and equitable workplace for all workers in the United States. In particular, when it comes to procurement, DOL requires that vendor contracts adhere to certain labor standards and that products purchased are […]

The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a method of public procurement used by governmental entities to ensure the delivery of quality goods, services, and works at competitive prices. The DPS framework functions as an electronic open market platform, where suppliers are able to submit bids for contracts in real-time on approved supplier lists. By engaging […]

Disqualification in the procurement process is a form of administrative action that eliminates vendors from consideration for a particular contract or agreement based on factors such as noncompliance with regulations, unethical business practices, or failure to meet certain standards of quality. This action serves to protect both parties throughout their negotiations and ensure that any […]

An Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a business agreement between an organization and a supplier that outlines the parameters, pricing, and terms of engaging in long-term relationships. An EA provides mutual risk mitigation for both parties by establishing common contractual ground rules and effectively streamlining the procurement process. It gives organizations the opportunity to benefit from […]

The European Article Number (EAN) or International Article Number (IAN) is a widely used globally-recognized system for labelling and tracking products. EANs are unique identifying numbers that can be presented in either barcode format, allowing for easy automation of purchase orders in the procurement process. In addition to identifying individual items, EANs help promoters and […]

EBIT, or Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, is an official business accounting measure used to assess the profitability of a company’s operations before interest and taxes are taken into account. The measure can be used to understand the performance of a given venture or project by analyzing operational costs relative to income generated. In procurement, […]

EBITDA is an acronym that stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortisation. In the context of procurement, EBITDA is a useful measure of a business’s financial performance since it takes into account key factors such as income and expenses, without having to take into account associated costs such as taxes or depreciation. By […]

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a system of electronic funds transfer that enables state welfare departments to issue benefits such as food stamps, cash assistance, and other benefits via a debit card or direct deposit. EBT is used in the procurement process as a cost-effective way to distribute funds to individuals, businesses, and organizations. The […]

Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) is a business initiative focused on streamlining the procurement process for consumer goods by encouraging collaboration and communication between organisations in the supply chain. Its aim is to reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary steps, improving product availability, and enhancing customer satisfaction. ECR focuses on creating an efficient flow of information, goods, […]

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is an automated system through which structured business documents are exchanged between organizations in a secure and reliable manner. EDI is widely used in procurement processes, as it helps to streamline the document exchange of data such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping confirmations. By using this technology, companies can reduce […]

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the law of the land that ensures employers do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The purpose of EEO in procurement is to provide a level playing field for all businesses, ensuring that there is fair […]

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a process for transferring funds electronically from one financial institution to another. It enables businesses to securely and cost-effectively transfer funds between accounts, making purchases and payments more efficient. With EFT, businesses can cut paperwork, reduce time and effort associated with manual payment processing, and streamline their accounting processes. As […]

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an official nine-digit code provided to a business or organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is used primarily for identification purposes when filing taxes, establishing banking accounts, obtaining credit, and other financial transactions. As such, it is essential that businesses accurately provide their EIN when engaging in […]

EISSP (Enterprise IT Standard Selection Process) The Enterprise IT Standard Selection Process (EISSP) is a method of procurement within businesses that ensures the effective and efficient selection of appropriate standards for IT products, services, and processes. The process evaluates existing industry standards and weighs them against factors such as cost, complexity, quality, and reliability to […]

The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is an official business certification which recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership in environmental performance and sustainable development. It provides a framework for businesses to measure, improve, and communicate their environmental performance through rigorous self-evaluation, independent verification, and public reporting of the results. EMAS also measures economic and social sustainability, […]

Executive Order (EO) is used to describe an official document issued by the President of the United States, which outlines their directives and policies for federal agencies. It is often used in the procurement process, as it allows federal agencies to utilize exceptions or waivers that are granted in the executive order, thereby streamlining internal […]