Purchasing
The Office of Purchasing, a Division of the Department of Finance, is responsible for the purchase of all materials, supplies, services, construction, and equipment for all city departments and agencies, and is responsible for the centralized control and disposal of surplus materials and equipment. The office also oversees operation of the City's Central Mail Service.
Purchasing Administration
Office of Purchasing Administration procures all goods, services, equipment, and supplies, including construction and professional services for the City. The office is also responsible for vendor relations, training internal departments on ethics and internal systems, monitoring potential anti-trust activity, and keeping abreast of legislation affecting procurement within the City.
The office utilizes creative procurement methods to maximize savings and the quality of services provided to the City including forward pricing mechanisms for energy purchases. When established through a competitively bid contract, the City may utilize forward pricing mechanisms to procure energy including natural gas, heating oil, propane, diesel fuel, unleaded fuel (and other energy sources, excluding electricity) subject to appropriation of funds. If fiscally advantageous, the City may purchase a portion of the energy requirements for a particular energy commodity on the futures market and enter into a fixed price contract for a specified period of time. A Committee will convene as needed to review the use of forward pricing mechanisms.
Mail Services
Operating from City Hall, the mail service team is responsible for receiving, processing, and distribution of most internal and U.S. Mail for city departments.