Dictionary of Procurement Terms

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

Search the Dictionary of Terms

Search Results: 61-70 of 131 results for “D”

  • Design-Bid-Build

    The traditional project delivery method, which customarily involves three sequential project phases: design, procurement, and construction, and two distinct contracts for the design and construction (build) phases.

  • Design-Build

    A construction project delivery method that combines architectural and engineering design services with construction performance under one contract.

  • Design-Build-Finance-Operate

    An Alternate Project Delivery Method (ADPM) demonstrating a design-build concept where the owner and designer/contractor work as a team to ensure that the owner’s requirements are met during design and construction. A complex and innovative approach developed through Public-Private Partnerships in which there is much greater involvement of private financing and that often combines construction and management or operations contracts.

  • Designation of Special Purpose

    Identifies items created by modification of standard commercial products to meet special needs, such as equipment modified to meet the needs of the physically challenged.

  • Designee

    A duly authorized representative.

  • Destination

    The place to which a shipment is consigned. The final delivery point to which a shipment is routed. A delivery point where title passes from seller to buyer.

  • Detailed-Item Description Code

    Part II of the NIGP Commodity/Service Code, which expands the class-item code into 11 digits with more than 140,000 item descriptions; used in the areas of inventory, warehousing, and cooperative purchasing operations.

  • Determination and Findings

    A legal document prepared by a purchasing official to justify a decision to take a certain action; includes conclusion, or determination, and the reason or findings of fact.

  • Devaluation

    An abrupt depreciation of a currency whose value was fixed or managed by a government. An indicator of a troubled economy. (Schiller, 2000)

  • Dictum Meum Pactum

    Latin phrase that means, “My word is my bond.” It reflects the public trust of those in positions of authority in public procurement. (Martin & Miller, 2006)