THE MODEL PROCUREMENT CODE DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION APPLIES TO ALL EXPENDITURES OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR SUPPLIES, SERVICES, AND CONSTRUCTION. IT COVERS SPECIFICATIONS, CONTRACTING METHODS, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, REMEDIES AND DAMAGES, AND ETHICAL STANDARDS SETTING FOR THOSE ENGAGED IN GOVERNMENT BUYING. THE CODE IS ADAPTABLE TO THE NEEDS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BUT MAY ALSO BE USED BY A TURNPIKE, PORT AUTHORITY, OR SEWER DISTRICT. THE STATES OF KENTUCKY, ARKANSAS, AND LOUISIANA, AND THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE, TENN. HAVE ADOPTED THE CODE, AND CODE-RELATED PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY IN OTHER STATES AND LOCALITIES. THE CODE CREATES A STATE PROCUREMENT POLICY OFFICE TO REGULATE, AUDIT, AND MONITOR PROCUREMENT, CENTRALIZING THE PROCUREMENT POLICY FUNCTION BUT SEPARATING IT FROM THE AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION OF CONTRACTS. COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING IN THE PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTRACTING. CODE USE HELPS TO AVOID EXTORTION, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, PAYOFFS, AND BRIBES. A DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST ON OFFICIAL POLICY TOWARD CORRUPTION IS INCLUDED. (RFC)