PURCHASING
Mission Statement
To plan, manage and coordinate the procurement function for purchases by all County departments to maximize the effectiveness of procurement expenditures, assist in fiscal control of the expenditure of public funds, and comply with all applicable laws, policies and procedures.
Major Programs Offered
Purchase equipment, supplies, services and construction by competitive quotation, sealed bids, or requests for proposals as appropriate. Assist in disposal of surplus personal property.
Provide suggestions to departments for proper procurement actions, products and vendors. Explain the County’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures. The Policy and Procedure information is provided to both County staff and vendors.
In conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office, explain statutory procurement requirements, explain the preferred or mandatory procurement or disposal method, requirements for Board of Commissioners approval and draft Agenda Action Sheets with appropriate statutory references for the recommended procurement actions.
When requested, advise contracted architects and engineers on bid terms and conditions required by statute, attend pre-bid or pre-construction meetings to emphasize bid submittal instructions and County payment cycles, establish progress payment submittal procedures, review contract change orders and determine whether Commission action is required, initiate correspondence to the Labor Commissioner, confirm contractors licenses, bonding company licensing, and prepare correspondence to the contractor.
Provide procurement and disposal guidance to towns, GID’s and other agencies. Assemble and analyze data for the purpose of determining the feasibility of procuring specific equipment, materials, or services.
Offer an annual purchasing list including descriptions of most items purchased per department. This intent is to provide our local vendors with a list of many of the items planned to purchase and give our departments the opportunity to purchase from local vendors.
Staffing and Budget
The Purchasing Division is funded and supported by the General Fund. The Purchasing Division is overseen by the Comptroller. If you have any questions you may contact this department at 775-782-9821.