Dictionary of Procurement Terms

1. A contract that establishes a source of supply for a specified period for a large group or related family of materials 2. A method of procurement designed to improve the reordering of materials used repeatedly. May include a catalog with a list and description of items that can be purchased. See also: Blanket Order.

The recording of responses to solicitations for the purposes of comparison, analysis, and record keeping.

The process of breaking down a strategic plan into specific, short-term plans (usually less than one year) with objectives, outcomes, and strategies.

An engineering quality control approach, developed by Japanese engineer and statistician Genichi Taguchi, that focuses on improving a process or product during the design phase rather than after it has been manufactured or delivered.

The weight of all packaging materials and protective wrapping used for an item to be shipped.

An identified group of potential customers to whom a service or product will be directed.

A government-imposed tax on a specific class of imported goods.