Vendor Information

The Poway Unified School District operates its business based on a centralized purchasing program. A Purchase Order (P.O.) properly numbered, signed and authorized by the Purchasing Department is the only document by which the district obligates itself to a vendor. The Purchasing Department is the only department authorized to sign and issue purchase orders. This policy is supported by the California Education Code, which requires that public school purchases have district approval prior to the receipt of goods and services.

Vendors are strongly advised not to provide materials or services to the district without first obtaining an authorized purchase order from the Purchasing Department. Purchases made in the name of the district without an authorized P.O. may be considered a donation to the district or a personal obligation of the person making the purchase and not an obligation of the district.

All service contracts and agreement regardless of the contract amount must be approved by the Governing Board before a purchase order can be issued. This includes services for staff development, maintenance, professional services (such as legal, architectural, occupational therapy etc.), construction, school performances, assemblies and workshops. Vendors are strongly advised not to provide services to the district without first obtaining a signed copy of the agreement or contract and an authorized purchase order from the Purchasing Department

Invoices should be mailed promptly after delivery to the Poway Unified School District, Attn: Accounts Payable, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128. Invoices should be submitted referencing the appropriate Purchase Order Number, otherwise, payment will be delayed. All school purchases are subject to state sales tax. Vendors can normally expect payment within 30 days of billing provided that proper purchasing procedures have been followed.

The district urges vendors to deal directly with the Purchasing Department on all purchasing related matters including sales calls, sales presentations, promotions, catalog distribution, returns, exchanges and substitutions. Vendors are discouraged from making sales calls directly to school sites and with district personnel. The district maintains a competitive environment in its approach to purchasing and suggests that vendors first contact the Purchasing Department for direction and advice before making any sales presentations. This will save time and minimize confusion as to proper roles and authority in the district's procurement process.

All material and supply orders shall be shipped to the location indicated on the purchase order. The P.O. number must appear on all packages and packing slips. Vendors should strive to meet all specified delivery schedules contained on purchase orders. If, for any reason, shipments cannot be accomplished as promised or as required, the Purchasing Department should be notified of the situation as soon as possible.