Wednesday, January 24, 2001
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Wednesday, January 24, 2001 |
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Schools pick three vendors for office supplies By DAVE
HAMRICK
Fayette County schools will have a choice of only three office supply vendors from now on. The Board of Education Monday unanimously approved designating three suppliers to take advantage of volume discounts, reducing costs. "This should save a good bit of money," said Fred Phillips of the Purchasing Department, adding that the schools spend from $150,0000 to $230,000 a year on office supplies. The department received bids from numerous companies, and narrowed its choices to three by evaluating them based on price, availability of online purchasing, and the School System's prior service experience with the vendors. Price received 60 percent of the weight in evaluating the bidders, with the other two criteria receiving 20 percent each. Purchasing also offered the board two options, one that included only the best bids, and one that included the two best bids and one locally owned supplier. The smaller, local stores can't match the big chains on price, Phillips said, but board member Janet Smola said it's also important to do business locally. "I have a very strong commitment to supporting our local economy when I can," she said. The board agreed and approved award of the bid to Corporate Express, Sheffield Office Products and Total Office Products. All three vendors agreed to supply online training for those placing orders, and committed to hold their prices for a year.
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