Finding Text
Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Small Purchase Procurement Method adopted by ISBE requires that public schools entering into a contract for perishable food items in excess of $25,000 but not more than $250,000 must solicit bids from a minimum of three qualified vendors. Condition: The District did not solicit bids from qualified vendors for the purchase of milk products. Questioned Costs: None. Context: The District did not implement internal controls to solicit bids from qualifying vendors for the purchase of perishable food items. Effect: The District may pay prices in excess of fair amounts without a competitive bidding process. Cause: Due to previous experience with limited bidder participation, the District did not solicit competing bids from qualifying vendors. Recommendation: The District should solicit bids from qualifying vendors for milk purchases as required under the Small Purchase Procurement Method. Management's Response: There is no disagreement. Management has implemented the recommended internal control changes by soliciting bids from multiple vendors for milk products to be purchased for the 2024-25 school year.