Procurement Additional Information

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Our Mission: We will promote and protect the quality of life in Charleston
County by delivering services of value to the community.

History

In 1958, the position of County Purchasing Agent was established. This position worked as part of the County Manager's Office. In the late 1970s, a separate department was established. In 1976, the S.C. General Assembly required each county to follow state procurement procedures, unless that county had its own formal, centralized procurement procedure.

The Charleston County Procurement Code, adopted by County Council on Dec. 21, 1983, relegated all procurement authority to the Contracts and Procurement Director, centralizing all purchasing in the Procurement Department. This procurement ordinance applies to every expenditure of public funds regardless of their source.

This Department

Procures goods, services and equipment for all departments of Charleston County.
Performs value and market analyses and develop new sources of supplies.
Ensures fairness and equity in awarding purchases.
Obtains best market prices through research and the competitive bidding process.
Assists County departments in planning, scheduling and bidding purchases.
Maximizes competition by publicly advertising all solicitations and utilizing the sealed bid/proposal process.
Certifies Small Business Enterprises and assist in the development of small businesses.

Achievements Awards

The Procurement Department has received regional and national recognition for its purchasing program:
South Carolina Association of Counties' J. Mitchell Graham Award 2009 Honorable Mention for Charleston County's Small Business Enterprise Program
South Carolina Minority Business Enterprise Center’s 2008 Outstanding Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Award
Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing (CAGP)
Sustained Professional Purchasing Award - 2001-2009
National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)
Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award - 2002-2008
Carolina Minorities Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) - Reflection of Excellence Award for the Public Sector