• Courts in the United States and their subordinate organizations must follow certain procedures in their purchasing decisions. These judiciary procurement program procedures provide guidelines in terms of how to go about selecting and evaluating suppliers.
  
  

Procurement Specifications

• The office that requests a purchase must provide all the requirements and specifications relating to the purchase. The requisition should contain information relating to the expenditure proposed on the purchase, a description of the products or services, and all other essential information relating to the purchase. The requisition should also provide any justification, if required. For instance, if the purchasing office does not want an open competition to select suppliers, there should be a justification for this.
  
  

Selection Procedures

• One way to select a supplier is to choose one who provides a technically acceptable product for the lowest price. Another selection method that the judiciary procurement program uses is the best value source selection method. Courts use this method when any performance above the minimum level is necessary or if it enhances the accomplishment of a critical mission.
  
  

Evaluation Procedures

• The court purchasing system uses an evaluation panel to make contract awards. The size of the panel and its membership depends on the complexity and scope of the purchasing decision, and how mission critical it is. The evaluation panel considers the bids received in an impartial manner, based on the evaluation factors that are mentioned in the solicitation of the offers and the selection method the requisitioning office is using. The panel will then prepare a report of its findings relating to the merits of the different offers, which the court will use to select the successful bid. Occasionally, an outside consultant may be a part of the evaluation panel if the court decides such expertise is necessary. This consultant will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.