• Purchasing Manual (MS Word - 1.17 MB)
• Exhibits to Purchasing Manual (PDF - 2.44 MB) 

1. The Buying Section is responsible for purchasing goods and services up to $34,000*, and has unlimited authority for orders against State and GSA Contracts. They obtain both written and verbal quotes.
2. The Purchasing Section is responsible for procuring goods and services for purchases over $34,000*. This includes term contracts as well as one-time purchases.
3. The Contracts Section is responsible for procuring architectural/engineering and construction services over $34,000*. These contracts are generally the largest in the county.

* Tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI); subject to annual revision relative to the CPI.  This is also the mandatory bid limit.

On May 2, 1996, the Purchasing and Contracts Division was named "Most Outstanding Public Purchasing Division  in the State of Florida" for the year 1995/96 by the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers.  Moreover, the Purchasing and Contracts Division received the Achievement in Excellence Award from the National Purchasing Institute each year beginning in 1995 and continuing through 2009. In 1997, the Purchasing and Contracts Division also received a NACO award for its privatization report. The Purchasing and Contracts Division will continue to develop its human resources, improve its quality and productivity, and establish its priorities with citizens and employees.

Orange County is constantly seeking new sources of supply as well as expansion of business into new areas with our current vendors. On behalf of all Orange County departments, all purchases are made through:

Purchasing and Contracts Division
IOC II, 2nd Floor
400 E South ST
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone 407-836-5635

1. Develop and implement paperless purchasing and contracting system by fully exploiting the capabilities of the Internet and e-commerce.  Transition to this environment will establish the basic structure of our procurement program and determine how we will do business in the future. The overall objective will be timelier and more efficient support to our customers. The backbone of this plan will be our ability to acquire and implement the following automated processes:
2. The Procurement Vendor
   1. Enables vendors to access and maintain their bidder's application information via the Internet for increased quality and accuracy.
   2. Provides a central vendor registration process and vendor bulletin board for maximum efficiency.
   3. Provides for electronic bid notification for increased participation and competition.
3. The Procurement Professional
   1. Creates solicitations
   2. Manages document library
   3. Evaluates vendor responses
   4. Awards contracts
   5. Manages assignments, terminations and renewals
   6. Corresponds with vendors
   7. Manages teams
4. All professionals within the division will be certified by NIGP, ISM or NCMA and have at least an associates degree.
5. Develop and implement monetary incentive for those obtaining and maintaining certification.
6. Obtain additional tuition assistance for personnel seeking educational advancement.
7. Increase participation in professional purchasing organizations such as spearheading cooperative purchasing initiatives with FAPPO, SICOP, and various public entities.