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Guidance
EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT PROGRAM
One of the main goals of the employee discount program is to list,
for state employees, appropriate discounts offered by vendors. The
STAR Employee Discount Program Policy is applied to determine
whether an offer is appropriate.
Employee discount information located on the STAR Program
website lists available discounts from appropriate vendors,
regardless of size, location, or the existence of an official
business contract with the State of Kansas. All vendors are given
the same opportunity to participate, by offering a discount on
products or services to state employees. The STAR Program
does not solicit vendor participation. Discount proposals originate
from referrals by state employees or by direct contact from a
vendor.
It is also important to note that the STAR Program simply
provides a place for appropriate vendors to offer discounts to state
employees. A brief initial screening is conducted by the STAR
Coordinator for all new discounts, which may include a visual check
on the discount vendor website or discount information document, a
Better Business Bureau search, and verification of the
appropriateness of the discount products or services. The employee
discount website and any related announcements clearly caution that
these discounts are not necessarily the best deal available. The
STAR Program does not negotiate discounts; therefore, as an
informed consumer, each employee should research and compare prices,
levels of service, or any certification or licensing requirements
before making any purchase or signing any agreement or contract.
Employee Eligibility
Eligibility requirements are set forth by the discount vendor, but
generally, all state employees within the Executive branch of
government are eligible for these discounts. However, limitations on
participation may exist for those specific employees directly and
significantly involved in the procurement process. Such employees
should consult their purchasing director for guidance.
Employees must consult the specific discount vendor for any proof of
employment requirements or eligibility limitations. Some vendors may
include retired employees as eligible.
Department Role
Each department has no formal responsibility or obligation to these
discount or resource and referral STAR options. These options
are intended to enhance the benefits of state employment and are generally
valuable to employees. |
