The purchasing of goods and services by the Bureau was conducted in accordance with instructions issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The instructions required procurement staff to adhere to the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines and Best Practice Guidance. Senior procurement staff were authorised by the CEO to oversee and exercise delegations to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement policies. Internal processes and documentation provided the basis for effective control and management of the purchasing process. Purchase orders to the value of $39.3m were raised in 2003-04. Procurement and probity advice was readily available in-house to all project teams involved with major procurement. Contracts of $100,000 or more in value were published on the Bureau's website:(http://www.bom.gov.au/bep/) as required by Senate Order J 4358-9.