Although certain traditional purposes of the purchasing department's responsibilities remain valid: to buy the right quality at at the right time and at the right price from capable suppliers; the duties and responsibilities of a Public Central Purchasing Office extend far beyond this. Law requires that public purchasing be conducted without favoritism, that competitive bidding must not be circumvented, and specification must not be restrictive. The taxpayer expects goods and services to be acquired in an efficient, effective and economical manner, and the materials brought to be warehoused, maintained, transferred and eventually disposed of, economically and advantageously.

The Purchasing Department of Lincoln University recognizes these responsibilities and strives hard to achieve the professional excellence that would enable it to serve and facilitate the objectives of the University consistent with the established rules and guidelines of the University.