Purchasing

Selling to the Contra Costa Community College District

How do you start?

A vendor who wants to sell his product to the College District should complete a Supplier Mailing List Application either on-line or request an application by contacting the Purchasing Department. Assuming the District does use the type of product being offered and the vendor has the facilities to provide reasonable postpurchase service, the vendor will be added to the District's bid lists.

Who buys what?

The Purchasing Department buys the materials, supplies and equipment for the Contra Costa Community College District's six sites in Contra Costa County:

• Contra Costa College, San Pablo

• Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill

• Los Medanos College, Pittsburg

• Brentwood Center, Brentwood

• San Ramon Valley Campus, San Ramon

• Administrative Offices, Martinez

The Purchasing Department does not buy land or buildings. Such contracts are processed by other departments located in the Administrative Offices in Martinez.

How does the Purchasing Department buy?

The Purchasing Department buys almost exclusively by competitive bid. The techniques and procedures vary with the size and type of purchase, but all procedures for these purchases are designed to produce maximum open competition. Our recent purchase records are available for public inspection at our offices, however, the Purchasing Department does not provide recapping services.

What can the colleges buy without a purchase order?

Each of the college campuses and centers have been delegated authority to purchase goods and services up to $1000.00 per transaction. These small dollar purchases do not require a purchase order. Often times the transaction may be paid for via a district issued procurement card (Visa).

How can you sell to the District effectively?

There is no substitute for a personal call at the Purchasing Department to find out who in the District may need your product. The buyers in this office can advise you on where and to whom to show your product. By acquainting the Purchasing Department with your product, you can be sure of not missing a chance to quote on future bids for the type of product you offer.

Some things to know...

1. YOU MUST BE COMPETITIVE

   The District deals primarily with manufacturers and wholesalers and purchases at highly competitive prices. Usually retailers have difficulty in competing for District business.

2. YOU MUST RESPOND TO OUR REQUEST FOR QUOTES

   If you do not reply to several consecutive bid invitations or price requests, you will be removed from our bid lists.

3. READ THE REQUEST FOR PRICE QUOTATIONS CAREFULLY

   The District explicitly and fully explains what it wants. Read the price requests and bid invitations carefully (don't forget the fine print), and be sure you can comply with all the requirements before bidding.

4. MAKE YOUR SALES INVESTMENT WISELY

   Sometimes a seller will expend considerable time and money in presenting his product to an individual college in hopes of making a sale. If you do this, remember that the purchase will eventually be made by competitive bid, and what you spend for expensive designs, demonstrations, layout, etc., does not guarantee you a sale. College prepared specifications are carefully reviewed by the Purchasing Department to eliminate any limitations which might unnecessarily reduce competition. The purchase will eventually be made from the lowest responsible bidder meeting objective specifications. The help you gave the college in developing their purchase request will not be considered when the purchase is made.

   The Purchasing Department recommends if you are called upon to provide such expensive prepurchase services that...

   1. You consider contracting separately with the District for this service.

   2. You always ask the college which you assisted to list you as a "reference vendor" on their requisition so we can send you a bid invitation.

SALESPEOPLES' HOURS

You are welcome to visit the Purchasing Department Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While no appointment is necessary, it is to your benefit to call in advance (calls should be made only between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily) to assure you that the person you are calling on will be available. We look forward to seeing you, and our staff will be happy to get you started in selling to the Colleges of Contra Costa.