FAQ for Purchasing

Purchasing Tips and Reminders

• Go to the Purchasing Department Website for valuable information.
• Encourage all vendors to register at www.bidnetdirect.com/florida/hernandoschools, this is the only way they can receive upcoming solicitations that they may want to participate in.
• You can find all of the District’s awarded bids on the Purchasing Department website.
• Direct vendors with questions to the Purchasing Department’s Website. There is a section for Vendor Information which includes a wealth of valuable information such as the How to Do Business Manual, Vendor FAQ’s, and necessary forms.

FAQ’s for Staff

What is the difference between registered vendor and an approved vendor?

A registered vendor is a vendor that has registered on the Purchasing Department’s website at www.bidnetdirect.com/florida/hernandoschools. Vendors have supplied us with basic information about their company and have requested that any future solicitations be sent to them so that they can participate. An approved vendor means that they are an awarded bid vendor that has been approved by our Board.

What are the current thresholds for getting quotes/bids?

Current Quote Thresholds – Verbal Quotes are recommended for orders under $5,000.00. Three written quotes (printed pages off the website are not considered quotes) are required for purchases between $5,000.01 and $25,000.00. The school/department may request quotes from three vendors or contact Purchasing for assistance. Purchases between $25,000.01 and $50,000.00 are required to have three formal quotes.  Purchasing's Request for Quote Form may be used for a one time single purchase of an item or service. Formal bids must be done for purchases $50,000.01 and greater. Contact the Purchasing Department if you have any questions or for assistance with obtaining quotes.

I want to buy something, where should I start?

You should first check to see if there is a bid in place for the item/service you are looking to purchase. You can do this by going to the Purchasing Departments webpage and clicking on Board Approved Contracts. The bids are categorized in alphabetical order by title. If there is a bid in place you will need to make the purchase from the bid vendor. The contact information for our representative will be on the tab sheet along with the applicable pricing/discounts and any other pertinent information you will need. Some bids have a number of different awarded vendors. You can make a purchase from any of these vendors; however we always recommend you get quotes from multiple vendors on the bid to ensure that you get the best possible pricing.