THE PURCHASING SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPORTS TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND HAS THE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF OBTAINING ALL COMMODITIES NECESSARY FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. BY HAVING A PURCHASING SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT CAN OBTAIN MORE FAVORABLE PRICING ON ALL COMMODITIES MEETING THE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIFICATIONS AND THUS USE AVAILABLE FUNDING MORE EFFICIENTLY. ALL NORTH CAROLINA GOVERNMENT PURCHASING PROGRAMS USE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND THUS IS THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS SECTION. THIS SECTION HAS TO BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL TO OBTAIN PUBLIC PRICING WITHOUT FAVORITISM.