University Personnel responsible for procurement and purchasing shall inform themselves of prices and specifications of items available through Group Purchasing Organizations (“GPO”), including but not limited to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Operational Services Division (“OSD”) and the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (“MHEC”). GPO contract price agreements may be utilized whenever it would be to the advantage of the University. When utilizing GPO contracts other than OSD or MHEC, UPST shall determine if the GPO contract was the result of procurement activity that complies in all material respects to the Policy and these Standards, including, without limitation, any requirements for Competitive Procurements.