Business Services > Purchasing

Information for
Vendors

Centralized Purchasing

          Procurement of supplies, materials, equipment and services are centralized in the Purchasing Department under the Director of Purchasing, operating within the Department of Business Services.  Please note that funds for the acquisition of goods or services may not be committed without an authorized Purchase Order number or a District Procurement Card.

Vendor Registration

     Please send a letter on your company letterhead, which states the products and services that you wish to sell to the District.  Include references of other customers, particularly other government entities, with whom you do business.  Contractors should include current contractor´s license number and classification, in addition to stating the types of projects you would like to bid on.  Address the letter to the Purchasing Department, PVUSD, 294 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville, CA  95076.

Methods of Procurement

Purchase Orders:  Usually itemized, based on quotations, bids, or catalog prices.  Most deliveries are to be made to the District Warehouse, or the District Maintenance Yard, or other locations as indicated on purchase order.

Blanket or Open Purchase Orders:  Orders written for a total amount "not to exceed____," which allows the District personnel to obtain supplies or services directly from vendors on an as-needed basis, for a specified period of times which is stated on the purchase order. Vendors hold these orders "open" and bill against them until total is expended.

Procurement Cards:  Certain District personnel have been issued "Procurement Cards" which act like a credit card in that the vendor is paid immediately.  These cards are pre-programmed with limits for each card-holder, which will prohibit them from overspending.  Vendors are asked to verify I.D. of customers presenting Procurement Cards.

Bids and Quotes

PVUSD uses a variety of competitive methods, including formal bids, informal bids, requests for quote, and requests for proposals.  Some methods include all written specifications and requirements, and others are done by telephone.  Awards are based on lowest pricing which meets District specifications.