Dictionary of Procurement Terms

Welcome to the NIGP Online Dictionary of Procurement Terms, the comprehensive reference for public purchasing terms and concepts.

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Search Results: 111-120 of 353 results for “C”
  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

    The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the United States Federal Government.
  • Coincident Indicator

    A measure of economic activity that changes concurrently with changes in the business cycle. (ISM Glossary, 2000)
  • Coinsurance Clause

    A part of a fire insurance policy that requires the policyholder to purchase coverage at least equal to a specified percentage of the replacement cost of the property to obtain full reimbursement for losses. (Business, 2002)
  • COLA

  • Collaborative Learning System

    A work environment that allows problem-solving participation by all team members. Used by procurement managers to obtain a more participatory work environment. (Business, 2002)
  • Collaborative Relationships

    A phase in the continuum of buyer-seller relationships, whereby the interdependence and necessity of cooperation is the difference between a collaborative and transactional relationship. Lower total costs are the common result of this type of relationship. (Burt, Dobler, & Starling, 2003)
  • Collateral

    1. Anything of value that is acceptable to a lender to guarantee repayment of a loan. 2. Real or personal property pledged as security for a loan.
  • Collective Bargaining

    Direct negotiations between employers and unions to determine labor market outcomes. May include wages, benefits, security, and safety issues. Usually results in a Contract of a specified duration.
  • Collusion

    When two or more parties act together secretly to achieve a fraudulent or unlawful act. May manifest itself in the form of bid collusion when bidders secretly agree to unlawful practices regarding competitive bidding. May inhibit free and open competition in violation of antitrust laws.
  • Collusive Bidding

    A secret agreement among suppliers to control prices when submitting bids in an attempt to win contracts by illegal means or methods.