PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

Patricia Jenkins

OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The Purchasing Department maintains vendor and bidder lists; writes, edits and evaluates specifications; sets up vendor demonstrations and schedules sessions for County staff to meet and evaluate new products, goods and services.

Purchasing staff conduct value analysis and comparative cost studies for the products and services purchased and evaluate procurement standards on an ongoing basis. Staff provide guidance concerning proper competitive bid and quotation procedures.

The Purchasing Department serves as the value saver and negotiator on behalf the County's taxpayers in communicating with other counties, State government price sources (Vendornet) and single source vendors on cost improvement measures, in an effort to save County dollars.
 

ACHIEVEMENT OF PERFORMANCE GOALS

For most of 2001, the Purchasing Department functioned without the full time presence of a director. Under dedicated temporary leadership, department staff fulfilled their assigned duties, carrying on departmental functions and maintaining operations.

2002 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

•  Expand services in 2002 to include the following:
  •  Technology enhancement with more automotive processes
  •  Increased purchasing from minority and women-owned businesses.
     
•  Polish the department's image through improved processes and staff development.
   
•  Continue to develop ways of implementing cost reduction plans through communication with other departments