Agency Purchasing Conference
INFORMATIONAL SURVEY

Plans are currently being made for the 2001 Agency Purchasing Conference, scheduled for October 15-18, at Canaan Valley State Resort and Conference Center. To address issues which are of interest to our conference participants, the Purchasing Division would like feedback from our Buyers Network readers.

Please take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire and return no later than May 15, 2001 to:

E-mail Address: dholley@gwmail.state.wv.us

Which topics would you like to see discussed? (Check only those topics for which you would be interested in attending a workshop)

o A/E Purchases
o Agency Purchases
o Agency Panel Discussion
o Automated Purchasing (E-Procurement)
o Basic Purchasing (for beginners)
o Best Value Purchasing (Request for Proposals)
o Bonds, Insurance and Liquidated Damages
o Capitol Parking Program
o Computer/Technical Purchases (IP Contract)
o Construction Contracts
o Correctional Industries
o Financing/Leasing Equipment
o Fixed Assets (Inventory Management)
o Fleet Management Program
o Game Show (educational workshop)
o Leasing Real Property
o Legal Purchasing Issues
o Sole Source Purchases
o Prevailing Wage Rates
o Purchasing Card Program
o Purchasing's Internet Website
o Purchase Order Encumbrance Module
o Question and Answer Session
o Specification Writing
o Statewide Contracts
o Surplus Property Program
o Travel Management Program
o Vendor Registration
o West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
o West Virginia Financial Information Management System (WVFIMS)

What other topics would you like to see addressed? _______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever attended Purchasing Division's Agency Purchasing Conference? oYes oNo

Purchasing Director Meets with Agency Officials on a
Continuous Basis to Discuss Purchasing-Related Issues

In an attempt to enhance communication between the Purchasing Division and state agencies, Purchasing Director Dave Tincher and Assistant Purchasing Director Curt Curtiss are meeting on an on-going basis with certain state agencies that handle a large volume of purchases annually.

How did this idea come about? "Periodically, we were meeting with the Department of Health and Human Resources to discuss contracts specific to their agency. Because the outcome of these meetings were so productive, it was suggested to conduct similar meetings on either a monthly or quarterly basis with other state agencies," said Tincher. Cabinet Secretary of Administration Greg Burton supported the idea and personally invited selected agencies to participate in these meetings. The response was overwhelming. Thus far, meetings have been conducted with the Chief Technology Office, Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau of Employment Programs, Department of Education, Division of Corrections, State Police, Division of Environmental Protection, and Division of Natural Resources. The Department of Tax and Revenue are scheduled to meet in May.

"The sharing of ideas, problems and resolutions have been extremely beneficial to us and to the agencies," Tincher adds. "With today's busy schedules, it is often hard to set aside time to talk about issues and find ways to do things more effectively; however, it is crucial to find the time. It definitely pays off in the level of efficiency that we are all pursuing in state government."

Each month, The Buyers Network familiarizes our readers with state businesses who have attended our past vendor purchasing conferences. We appreciated their participation in these training events.

Introducing Stephens Auto Center of Danville, West Virginia

Stephens Auto Center of Danville, West Virginia, offers a variety of new Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles along with a good selection of used vehicles. His company also performs vehicle repair, maintenance service and supplies parts and accessories.

General Manager Richard Stephens indicated that he began working with state government three years ago and his business relationship continues to grow.

Stephens attended this year's vendor purchasing conference and was pleased to have the opportunity to meet individuals in state government who make the purchases for their agencies. "I was able to understand their needs better and assist in finding solutions to their problems," he said. For details on the services offered by Stephens Auto Center, contact Richard Stephens at (304) 369-2411 or by email at richard.stephens@stephensautocenter.com.

(This information is compiled from the West Virginia Purchasing Bulletin. The purpose is to provide an awareness of the variety of products and services being procured in state government. Only a small sample of solicitations are listed.)

w All State Agencies
Request to provide routers.

w Division of Motor Vehicles
Request to provide auto value software database and printed material.

w Department of Health and Human Resources
Request to provide security services.

w Consolidated Public Retirement Board
Request to provide audit of various retirement plans.

w State Police
Request to provide emergency vehicle lighting equipment.

Keeping Pace with Market Trends
                      What's New with Office Supplies and Solutions

When an office expands and has new needs for equipment and configurations, finding the right solution can be daunting. IKON Office Solutions offers facilities management to come up with viable strategies for any growing office.

Its experts study documents and applications, devise a strategy based on specific requirements and create a custom solution. The company will help an office work with existing equipment and reconfigure it for the best possible performance. IKON also offers replacement and supplemental devises from top manufacturers.

When managers know what products an office needs, there are numerous places to go online to find the right paper, desk or telephone. For office supplies, furniture and technology equipment on the Web, Office Depot offers purchasing controls, order approval and inventory tracking (www.officedepot.com).

Staples feature office supplies, from stables to computers, in an easy-to-use format on the Web. (www.stables.com). [Please note that state agencies must use the statewide contract for office supplies. This information is being offered for informational purposes only.]

Darren Smith, procurement officer for Welch Emergency Hospital, passed away in April. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family and friends.