Frequently Asked Questions

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How does the County procure commonly used supply items? Is it ok for employees of the County to purchase personal requirements from the Vendors under contract with the County? Is it ok for County Departments or Agencies to purchase via the State of Iowa or Local City contracts? Does the County Procurement Office maintain bidder’s lists? Can I obtain specification documents if I am interested in bidding on a County offering? How must the offer be submitted? FAQs Does the Procurement Office act as the central ordering point for all County Departments and Agencies? Yes. The Procurement Office is responsible for recommending and administering procurement and purchasing policies for the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies, services and construction projects for County Government. All requests for prices or services and all purchases should be made via the Procurement Office. This authority may be delegated to others, at the discretion of the Procurement Supervisor. The Procurement Office has the authority to investigate the quality, quantity and type of materials purchased in order to best serve the interest of the County of Polk and the taxpaying citizens. The Procurement Office shall not knowingly issue a purchase order or award a contract to suppliers where there is evidence of a conflict of interest. Acceptance of gifts, other than advertising novelties, is prohibited. No County employee shall receive a benefit or profit from any purchase or contract made in conjunction with their job as a County employee The County shall purchase through fair and open competition from qualified suppliers who have adequate financial strength, high ethical standards, and a record of adhering to specification and providing the full measure of services required. Does the Procurement Office act as the central ordering point for all County Departments and Agencies? Yes. The Procurement Office is responsible for recommending and administering procurement and purchasing policies for the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies, services and construction projects for County Government. All requests for prices or services and all purchases should be made via the Procurement Office. This authority may be delegated to others, at the discretion of the Procurement Supervisor. The Procurement Office has the authority to investigate the quality, quantity and type of materials purchased in order to best serve the interest of the County of Polk and the taxpaying citizens. The Procurement Office shall not knowingly issue a purchase order or award a contract to suppliers where there is evidence of a conflict of interest. Acceptance of gifts, other than advertising novelties, is prohibited. No County employee shall receive a benefit or profit from any purchase or contract made in conjunction with their job as a County employee The County shall purchase through fair and open competition from qualified suppliers who have adequate financial strength, high ethical standards, and a record of adhering to specification and providing the full measure of services required. How does the County procure commonly used supply items? The Procurement Division obtains competitive quotes (informal) for lower cost goods and services valued at $10,000-$49,999 items such as food supplies, office supplies and equipment, custodial items, health related supplies, etc. Competitive quotes are not obtained in emergency situations, if the item is available on State of Iowa contracts, or if there is a justifiable sole source. How does the County procure commonly used supply items? The Procurement Division obtains competitive quotes (informal) for lower cost goods and services valued at $10,000-$49,999 items such as food supplies, office supplies and equipment, custodial items, health related supplies, etc. Competitive quotes are not obtained in emergency situations, if the item is available on State of Iowa contracts, or if there is a justifiable sole source. Is it ok for employees of the County to purchase personal requirements from the Vendors under contract with the County? Employees of the County shall not procure or assist in procuring any materials, supplies or equipment for the personal use of any employee, officer or official of the County. Employees, officers or officials by virtue of position are not entitled to any special consideration f