9.26 Competition with Private Sector

Purpose

It is the policy of the State of Iowa and the Board of Regents that the University of Northern Iowa and other Regent institutions shall not engage in competition with private enterprise unless the activity will assist in the education, research, extension, or service mission of the institutions. Although the university is granted specific exemptions under Iowa Code Section 23A.2 (l0)k and Iowa Administrative Code (681-9.4), it is the desire of the university to minimize potential conflicts and competition with private sector businesses.

Policy Statement

All activities involving the sale of goods, services, or facility usage shall be in accordance with an authorization and statement of purpose approved by the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations. This approval will be given only after a review which demonstrates that one or more of the following conditions is met:

  1. The activity is deemed to be an integral part of the institution's educational, research, public service, or campus support functions, or other educational and support activities.
  2. The activity is needed to provide an integral good or service which 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 which are not reasonably available in the community.
  3. 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.
  4. The activity is carried out due to the importance of maintaining the quality of the institution.
Chapter 9: University Services

Procedures

A review committee composed of a representative or designee selected by the President and two representatives selected by the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations will be appointed and charged with the following:

  1. Review existing or proposed campus activities where goods, services, or facilities currently are being provided but also are available from the private sector to determine compliance with the statutes and Board administrative rules.
  2. Recommend to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations approval, changes, abandonment, or consolidation of existing or proposed activities.
  3. Review written appeals and recommend appropriate action.
  4. Periodically meet with representatives from the local community and/or private sector and the Senior Vice President to discuss policy or specific problems associated with services or goods provided by the university.

University employees, departments, or programs seeking approval of their activities should complete the Competition with Private Enterprise Evaluation form on the Division of Finance & Operations web site at https://fo.uni.edu/competition-private-sector

Appeals

A private enterprise seeking to appeal an activity of the university shall submit a written request for review to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations, describing the activity and providing examples of alleged unfair or inappropriate competition. If the private enterprise is dissatisfied with the university's response it may submit a written request for assistance, through the UNI President’s Office, to the Executive Director of the Board of Regents.

Office of Business Operations, approved June 2011
President’s Cabinet, approved 
[Last reviewed and/or updated 12/5/2024]