How Does Albany County Purchase Supplies, Materials & Services?

Albany County purchases supplies, materials and services using the following methods:

• Purchase Orders
  Purchase Orders are issued for purchases after telephone shopping, obtaining quotations, using existing bid contracts, and New York State Contracts. Only the Purchasing Department can issue a Purchase Order.
  
• Formal Bid
  On purchases exceeding $20,000 or Public Works and Service Contracts exceeding $35,000, the formal bid process is used when the item is not on New York State Contract. Yearly bids are used to contract for maintenance supplies, nursing supplies, dental supplies, uniforms, etc. Shorter contracts are used for perishable commodities such as groceries, meat, fish and poultry. Contracts are also issued for one-time purchases and awarded to successful bidders. Last year Albany County used the bidding process approximately 200 times.
  
• New York State Contract
  Albany County is a political sub-division of the State of New York and is allowed to make purchases using State contracts without using quotations or the formal bid process. State Contracts can be for a variety of commodities or services such as: gasoline, cars and trucks, tires, office supplies, security guard services and more.

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