Purchasing Agents who ensure that materials, equipment, and supplies are ordered and delivered and participate in the vendor selection process are performing duties that directly relate to the functional areas of purchasing and procurement, which fall under the exempt administrative employee criteria, according to an opinion letter recently released by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. The Fair Labor Standards Act provides a minimum wage and overtime exemption for employees employed in a bona fide administrative capacity. In addition to the above duties, the DOL finds that the Purchasing Agents were minimally supervised, and carried out major assignments in conducting the operations of the business, including the authority to place purchase orders up to $25,000 without manager approval.