Competition with the Private Sector

Introduction

The Code of Iowa, Chapter 23A.2, and Iowa Administrative Code 681-9.4(23A) prohibit competition with the private sector, unless the activity is specifically exempted or meets the requirements stated in the Iowa Code and the Iowa Administrative Code.

Division of Finance & Operations

Policy Statement

The University of Northern Iowa shall not sell products/services, permit facility usage, or otherwise engage in activities, which compete with for-profit private enterprises, unless the activity will assist in the university's education, research, extension, or service mission, has been reviewed and approved by the Competition with the Private Sector Review Committee, and meets one or more of the following conditions:

  • The activity is deemed to be an integral part of the institution's educational, research, public service, and campus support functions and activities.
  • The activity is needed to provide an integral good or service that is not reasonably available in the community; or the activity is needed to provide an integral good or service at time, price, location, or terms that are not reasonably available in the community.
  • The activity is carried out for the primary benefit of the campus community and is incidental to the education, research, service, or extension missions of the university.
  • The activity is carried out due to the importance of maintaining the quality of the institution.

Departments engaged in institutional activities, which have not previously been reviewed and approved by the Competition with the Private Sector Review Committee, shall request committee review by notifying the Controller of their intent.  The Competition with Private Enterprise Evaluation Form must be completed and submitted to the Controller to initiate a review.  The Committee may request a meeting to review the request, or will make a determination of approval based on responses included on the form.  No sales of products or services shall be conducted solely for the purpose of profiting from the public sale. Sales of products or services to the general public shall be secondary and incidental to the primary function of the university. Departments shall not seek to advertise or promote sales for the purpose of increasing the volume of general public sales without approval of the Competition with the Private Sector Review Committee.

Resources