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Employee-Vendor Relationships

UC policy prevents preferential treatment in purchasing goods and services by separating the interests of employees from the interests of UCSF.  Use the guidelines on this page to identify and disclose employee-vendor relationships. An employee-vendor relationship can arise whenever a University department proposes to purchase, rent, or lease goods or to purchase services from:

  • A University employee;
  • From a business in which a University employee owns a 10% or greater interest;
  • The near-relative of a University employee; or
  • From a business in which the near-relative of a University employee owns a 10% or greater interest, if the University employee has any responsibility for or any involvement in the purchasing decision.

Though it may be possible to compensate a University employee through the payroll system for services outside the scope of the employee’s regular university employment, you should contact the appropriate HR service center coordinator (staff or academic, as appropriate) first.  Nonetheless, University employees without teaching or research responsibilities cannot be hired as independent contractors or consultants. Examples of employee-vendor relationships include:

  • A University employee acts as a vendor to sell goods or services to the University;
  • A University employee buys goods or services for UCSF from a vendor that is a member of the employee's family; or
  • A University employee or a member of his or her family owns or controls at least 10% of the business from which the university purchases goods or services.

What if an employee-vendor relationship exists?If an employee-vendor relationship exists, you must disclose it in advance to the Business Contracts Unit. To disclose the relationship and submit it for review, please:

  • Complete the Conflict of Interest Form.
  • Forward the form to the Business Contracts Unit.

For further details, contact David Pendergast at (415) 514-9649.