Dictionary of Procurement Terms

A nonprofit environmental organization that offers expertise in green purchasing, operations, and plant improvement. This organization has helped prepare environmentally responsible criteria, including specifications for many products (e.g., paint, adhesives, degreasers, paper towels, and napkins).

1. A new good that flows through distribution supply channels other than those authorized or intended by the manufacturer or producer (e.g., a good intended to be sold only in Europe that eventually finds its way for sale and use in the U.S. market). 2. A good being sold outside of normal distribution channels by companies that may have no relationship with the producer of the good. A typical good includes electronics, cameras, and watches. The original manufacturer may not honor the product warranty on a grey market good.

The total value of goods and services produced in a country during a specific time period.

Net revenue to the seller after the seller's cost of the good or service and the cost of any efforts to sell the good or service are deducted from the sales price. (Schiller 2000)

Total value of goods and services produced in a country for one year, plus the net income from foreign investments.

Extreme reckless disregard for or indifference to the safety or other negative consequences to others because of a violation of a duty of care.

Weight of an item, including the container and packing materials.

An organization created by, or on behalf of, groups of buyers of related categories and markets to form a purchasing consortium. See also: Cooperative Procurement.

A circumstance in which a group reaches consensus without critical reasoning, often stifling creativity and individual voices.

Software that enables collaborative participation on a project by a number of end users.