If you sell supplies or services you can probably sell them to the Parish of Caddo. The Parish, through the Purchasing Division, contracts for almost millions of dollars in supplies and services each year.

The primary objective of the Purchasing Division is to acquire highest quality supplies and services at the lowest cost. We are constantly seeking new sources of supply and welcome your participation.

You will find doing business with the Parish easy. Most purchases are made through a comprehensive system of specifications and competitive bidding. This process ensures that contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder who complies with the specifications, terms and conditions, and who also has the capability to deliver the service or product in a timely manner.

BUSINESS RELATIONS

We realize it is essential to develop good relationships with our suppliers. It is our policy to be fair and courteous to all vendors. However, our operating agencies are usually quite busy, therefore, it would be appreciated if you make the Purchasing Division your first point of contact. The Purchasing Division will then arrange contacts with our operating agencies. While walk-in sales calls are welcome, we suggest that you make an appointment prior to visiting the Purchasing Division in order to assure adequate time to address your concerns. Click here for a list of products and services purchased by departments.

Economically Disadvantaged Businesses

Advantage Caddo is our program to aid local small and emerging business.

In order to qualify as a disadvantaged business you will need to fill out two essential forms.
These forms are provided for download below:

Disadvantaged Business Registration
Owner Affidavit of Personal Net Worth

To obtain a list of the Advantage Caddo Certified Businesses click here

The Parish of Caddo also accepts certifications issued by the Caddo Parish School Board Opportunity Caddo Program, the City of Shreveport Fair Share Program and the Louisiana Economic Development Small Business Program (LED SEBD).

Information about LED SEBD can be found at: https://smallbiz.louisianaforward.com/sebdinformation.htm

LOCATION

The Purchasing Division is located at:
505 Travis Street, Suite 850.
Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For appointments, please call (318) 226-6903.

VENDOR/BIDDERS’ LIST

The Parish of Caddo posts all bid solicitations online with BidSync. Vendors may register for free to receive electronic bid notifications. Vendors wishing to submit bids online may do so for an additional fee.

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

($10,000 – $30,000)

The Parish Purchasing Policy requires that all purchases between $10,000 – $30,000 be made by informal requests for quotations. The procedure follows:

• A Request for Quotation (RFQ) or request for telephone quotes is made, depending upon the nature of the item to be purchased.
• As quotes are received they are tabulated and evaluated.
• A formal purchase order is prepared and issued to the Vendor.
• Some purchases under $10,000 may require quotes as well.

COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDS

(Public Works Construction$150,000 and greater)

($30,000 and greater)

It is the policy of the Parish to solicit competitive sealed bids for purchase of equipment and material exceeding $30,000. Click here for the latest Invitations to Bid. The procedure follows:

• A public notice to bidders is issued in the local newspaper.
• Invitations for Bids issued to prospective vendors.
• Bids are received, tabulated and evaluated. Bid Results
• Awards are made to the lowest responsible bidder.
• Bid Awards are approved by the Purchasing Division.
• A formal purchase order is issued to the successful bidder.

SAMPLES

When samples are requested, they will be held until the award is made. Samples for trial should be at no cost to the Parish. Samples should be clearly identified.

TAXES

The Parish of Caddo is exempt from all Federal and State sales taxes.

PURCHASING CARDS

Division heads or their designees are authorized to purchase items up to $500.00 with purchasing cards which function similar to credit cards.

PURCHASE ORDERS

All purchases other than those with a purchasing card must be authorized by purchase orders. Only the Purchasing Division may issue a formal purchase order.

PAYMENT

The Purchasing Division is available to assist vendors by providing general information on the payment process.

For assistance you may call (318) 226-6903.

INSURANCE AND BONDS

The Parish of Caddo may require insurance and/or bonds from vendor’s doing business with the Parish of Caddo.

COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

All vendor complaints or grievances should first be submitted in writing to the Purchasing Agent who will take prompt remedial action. The Purchasing Agent will investigate the validity of the complaint and present the findings in writing to the vendor. If the vendor is dissatisfied with the Purchasing Agent’s remedies, he may then make an appeal to the Parish Administrator. This policy does not preclude consideration of legal questions in connection with any decisions made by the Parish.
 

PARISH OF CADDO
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
PURCHASING DIVISION
P. O. Box 1127
Shreveport, LA 71163-1127
Phone: (318) 226-6903
Fax: (318) 226-6909
E-mail: purchasing@caddo.org