Procedures

The division believes in purchasing competitively and seeking maximum educational value for every dollar expended, consistent with good purchasing practices. All items purchased in the name of a school or the division shall become the property of Palliser Regional Schools. 

The division supports the principle of purchasing locally where prices are competitive. To this end, opportunities should be provided for local suppliers to bid on bulk purchases of supplies, equipment, and services.

1. Authority to Requisition
   The principal/site manager is granted the specific authority to requisition goods and services in approved alignment with annual site budgets. Users shall specify the type, quality, and quantity of materials.
2. Purchase Cards
   Purchase cards will be used in accordance with AP 514.1 – Purchasing Card and the Purchasing Card Manual.
3. Authority to Purchase
   The Secretary-Treasurer or designate has the exclusive authority to act as the procurement and disposal agent of the division. This person shall be responsible for procuring products that meet acceptable commercial and safety standards at competitive prices. Include in the purchasing authority outlined above are:
   1. Major construction contracts –  Secretary-Treasurer or designate;
   2. Land acquisitions – Secretary-Treasurer or designate;
   3. Employee fringe benefit contracts – Secretary-Treasurer or designate;
   4. Legal and other consultative services – Secretary-Treasurer or designate;
   5. CTS supplies – Principal;
   6. Postage meter replenishment – Principal/Department Supervisor; and
   7. Petty Cash – Principal/Department Supervisor.
      Exceptions shall be approved by the Secretary-Treasurer.
4. Tendering Procedures
   1. All tenders received will be reviewed and successful tenders approved by the Secretary-Treasurer in consultation with the site/department manager.
   2. All quotes/tenders for a major purchase of equipment, supplies, service, or construction in excess of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) shall follow a formal tender process with public opening, and shall be in accordance with the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. This includes all tenders and requests for proposals issued by the Lethbridge Public Purchasing Consortium of which the division is a member.
   3. All quotes for a purchase not covered under a consortium that is in excess of $75,000 require a minimum of two (2) quotes.
   4. Capital Purchases in excess of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) that were not included in the annual budget approved by the Board shall be brought to the Board for approval.
   5. The tenders will be evaluated on the basis of quality, service, availability, price, and other criteria as deemed appropriate.
   6. All else remaining equal the lowest bid consistent with specifications on each item shall be accepted. However, a bid other than the lowest may be accepted if the Secretary-Treasurer believes that to do so would be in the best interests of the Division.

Education Act

Updated March 30, 2021