Purchased Goods are NC State Property

All goods, materials, and equipment purchased using state-appropriated, grant, or institutional funds are considered the property of the State of North Carolina. These items remain state property until they are either consumed in the course of official use or formally disposed of through Surplus Property procedures in accordance with state law.

Under no circumstances may procurement processes be used to obtain goods or services for personal use or benefit. University employees are prohibited from entering into agreements that result in the personal enrichment or private use of any employee.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or personal financial liability.

Exceptions

Items acquired specifically for resale operations, such as those intended for retail sale through officially sanctioned campus business units (e.g., bookstores, retail centers), are exempt from this policy.

Relevant North Carolina Statutes

• NCGS § 143-58.1 – Unauthorized use of public purchase or contract procedures for private benefit: Prohibits the use of state funds to acquire goods or services for personal benefit.