Page 31 - The EDGE Spring 2020

Becoming a School District Vendor

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Thomason said it’s not always about trying to save money,
but merely to be compliant with state laws, rules and
regulations.

Who and why are people chosen for the selection
committees?

Stewart said it depends on what the district is trying to
procure. “If it’s new construction, we might have an architect Vendors should learn a district’s requirements, Spivey said,
sit in,” Stewart said. “I am never part of a committee. I am adding: “Build a relationship with a district. Look at their
there to guide them to make sure we are following the rules solicitations and responses, how they were evaluated. Get
and I can answer their questions. Occasionally the committee familiar with the process. See what you can improve, but
will include someone who has no knowledge of this item, don’t reinvent the wheel. And go after small purchases first.”
someone who doesn’t have a dog in the fight, someone who
doesn’t know any of the vendors. So we can get an honest Thomason recommends that vendors should send him an
opinion.” email every three or four months. “Remind us of what you
do,” he said.
Spivey said he’s on virtually every selection committee. If a district is planning to make a major purchase in
Again, membership depends on what is to be purchased. technology, the district should consider inviting vendors in
Often stakeholders and someone from the community with for a demonstration, he said.
knowledge of the issue is included, he said.
Stewart believes vendors trying to enter the school district
Why do many schools use the same selection committee? field should take advantage of the cooperatives.
Wouldn’t it be better to expand the committee members
outside your area to gain broader insight? Spivey said vendors should realize if all standards and
quality of a widget are the same, the best price will prevail.
Spivey said Litchfield Elementary doesn’t use the same
selection committees for different purchases. How can I make my debriefing successful or beneficial?

Thomason said sometimes it’s difficult to find a volunteer Stewart said it comes down to setting up a meeting to view
who is willing to spend six hours reading a 500-page documents and how the selection committee had scored.
response. He recommends stakeholders. “You need insight to see what other vendors’ proposals
were,” he said. “Maybe you can have the committee score
Stewart said the makeup of selection committees varies you a little differently the next time.”
depending on the service or product sought.
Spivey recommended: “Debrief whether you were awarded
Someone in the audience got a laugh when she recommended or not. Let me know what your intentions are. If you want
having an English teacher on every committee to spell-check. to know how you can improve, I can be prepared. If you’re
upset, let me know what you want to address. If someone
What can a vendor do to better his/her chances of seeks a debrief and they’re upset or emotional, that doesn’t
breaking in to the school market? benefit anybody. They’re not seeing how they can improve
or how someone else was better. I may not always like your
Stewart recommends registering with him and with Arizona feedback, but I will be receptive.”
Purchasing, which is where he posts every bid.

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