Lakelandgov.net
Purchasing Division

LeftNav - Right Corner Image   Main > Purchasing  >  Purchasing PolicyGeneral Purchasing Advise 


GENERAL PURCHASING ADVISE FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES

·        Report to purchasing your departments quantity needs on a regular basis so that adequate stock levels are maintained.

·        Draft written specifications for your equipment purchases and submit those with a general requisition.

·        Indicate to Purchasing any special needs your department may require as to products, storage or unusual quantities to be used.

·        Be courteous and prompt in your dealings with vendors and salesmen.

·        Report to Purchasing immediately any attempts by any party to pressure or influence you in your choice or specification of products and/or services.

·        Advise vendors and salespersons representing bids under consideration that “exparte” communications are not permitted.

·        Be sure that you give the same information to all vendors when soliciting quotations by telephone.

·        Plan your purchasing requirements well in advance so that emergency purchases are unnecessary and so that the Purchasing Division has adequate lead-time for competitive bidding.

·        Avoid misleading or misinforming statements to bidders or vendors.

·        Don’t commit the City to any contract or purchase without proper authorization.

·        Treat all bidder's and vendor's opinions with respect.

·        Don't draft specifications that are bias or unattainable.

·        Avoid use of the term “or equal” on requisitions or bids whenever possible.

·        Don't use “sole source” as a means to purchase a particular brand name or type of material.

·        Avoid favoritism to any vendor, bidder or salesman.

·        Don't jeopardize your integrity or the City's by accepting gifts or gratuities.

·        Don’t split a purchase order to avoid the bidding process.

·        Get the terms of a purchasing transaction in writing; don’t rely on verbal commitments.

·        Properly document all purchasing transactions and forward the appropriate forms to Purchasing and other departments as described in this Purchasing Manual.

·        Be certain not to disclose any information regarding a pending bid that may influence bids not yet received.