Centralized vs. Decentralized Purchasing
[Inc. Tech Portals, Internal Controls, Large/Small Districts]
By Tim Keeley
Asst. Superintendent for Business
Addison SD 4
Amy McPartlin
Asst. Superintendent of Finance & Operations/CSBO
Prospect Heights School District 23
Every business, regardless of industry, has some form of procurement need. For school business officials, determining the appropriate procurement strategy can often be a difficult task, as there is a myriad of variables to consider.
Let’s lean on the reliable “who, what, where, when, why and how?” line of questioning as we explore further.
- Who is making the final decision on products/services? Who is the preferred vendor?
- What is the need? Identify the desired product or service.
- Where is the purchase needed?
- When do you need it? Is the purchase time-sensitive?
- Why is it needed? What is the desired goal or end result?
- How will you buy it? Does it require a bid or an RFP?