The Purchasing Department has grown from a staff of 5 to a staff of 8 employees operating with the most up-to-date computers and on line requisitioning operation.

The Laredo Independent School District Purchasing Department is responsible for the procurement of goods, services and construction for nearly 3,800 employees within this division. The Purchasing Department makes a wide range of purchases for 30 schools and 30 department users and awards contract to qualified vendors in a variety of commodities.

Bidding Information
All purchases are governed by the Federal Government, State of Texas, and the Board of Trustees rules and regulations. Although the Purchasing Department is permitted to make certain purchases, the Board of Trustees delegates and sets limits on these purchases:

• Up to $500.00 (goods/services) requires one price from approved vendors’ list;
• $501.01 to $15,000.00 (goods/services) requires three informal bids;
• $15,000.01 to $25,000.00 (goods/services) requires three written quotes/invitations to bid;
• Goods and services over $25,000.00 requires the bidding process. The Purchasing Department advertises the bids, opens, analyzes and awards the contract to the successful bidder.

Vendors will be required to write to the Purchasing Department to be placed on a master list.

Bids must be delivered to the Purchasing Department before the specified bid opening date and time.

HUB Directory
Vendors are invited to bid either informally (by telephone) or formally (in writing), depending on the type and dollar amount of the contract.

Every attempt is made to send applicable bid invitations to as many qualified vendors.

The Purchasing Department occasionally solicits consulting services for various purposes through the issuance of Request for Proposals (RFP). When the Purchasing Department solicits consulting services for which the anticipated cost will exceed $15,000.00, the Purchasing Department announces these solicitations in the newspaper.

HUB Participation
State agencies are now required by the Legislature to make a good faith effort to assist HUBs in receiving a portion of the total contract value of all contracts. During the fiscal year, a state agency is expected to meet the following percentages:

1. 11.9% for heavy construction other than building contracts;
2. 26.1% for all other building construction, including general contractors and operative builders contracts;
3. 57.2% for all special trade construction contracts;
4. 20% for professional services contracts;
5. 33% for all other services contracts; and
6. 12.6% for commodities contracts.

Purchase Program
The Laredo Independent School District may purchase goods and services through one of the following methods:

1. Competitive bidding
2. Competitive sealed proposals
3. Request for Proposals
4. Catalog Purchase
5. Interlocal contracts
6. Design/Build Contract

Billing Information
All invoices must be sent to the following address:

Laredo Independent School District
Administration Building
Attn: Accounts Payable
1702 Houston Street
Laredo, Texas 78040

Payment is made within 30 days of receipt and/or acceptance of the merchandise or service as long as the vendor provides the properly completed invoice to the Accounting Department/Accounts Payable.

The two-part invoice must include the purchase order number and a valid vendor identification or taxpayer identification number used when completing the application.

Goods Purchased by the Laredo Independent School District

• computer equipment and supplies
• furniture
• office equipment
• office supplies
• recycled products
• athletic (uniforms, equipment and supplies)
• medical supplies (nurses and athletics)
• janitorial supplies
• instructional supplies (consumable, bilingual)
• computer equipment
• library books
• insurances (property and liability, workers’ compensation and health)
• copiers (rental)
• employee uniforms
• foods (milk, bread, fresh, canned and frozen vegetables, canned and frozen fruits, pre-cooked poultry, pre-cooked fish, meats and other food items)

Services provided by the Laredo Independent School District:

• consulting
• architectural
• auditing
• financial
• legal
• contract programmer
• data access
• electrical
• hazardous waste removal
• janitorial
• maintenance for computer hardware and printers
• computer software
• office equipment maintenance
• security
• telecommunications
• insurance

Checklist for Submitting an Invitation for Bids

1. Make sure unit price is indicated along with extension.
2. Make sure delivery days are quoted on the front page of the invitation to bids.
3. Sign bid manually on authorized signature line. All bids must be signed manually or bid will be disqualified.
4. Bids should be returned in a sealed envelope, which must have the following information on the front, left-hand corner:
   * Bid Opening Date
   * Bid Number
5. Be sure bid is received in Purchasing Department before the opening date and time. Late bids properly identified will be returned to bidder unopened. Late bids will not be considered under any circumstances.
6. Be sure all forms are signed and returned.

Vendors should become familiar with the bid requirements on the Invitation for Bids form. If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to contact the Purchasing Department at (956) 795-3220.