Purchasing

Purchasing Procedures

Before providing goods or services to Lake Metroparks, vendors must be aware of and follow these important procedures.

1. A completed and signed W-9 must be on file in the Finance Department at Lake Metroparks prior to issuance of a Purchase Order.
2. A Purchase Order Number must be assigned for the purchase of all goods or services.
3. All freight shipments less than 150 pounds must ship to Lake Metroparks using OUR UPS ACCOUNT NUMBER. Failure to do so will result in back charges to the vendor. Please contact Lake Metroparks’ Purchasing Department for the account number.
4. Lake Metroparks will not pay invoices if a purchase order is not on file with the Finance Department. All goods purchased without a purchase order and invoiced are the responsibility of the individual placing the order. Vendors supplying goods or services without a Purchase Order Number do so at their own risk.
5. All invoices and shipping documents must indicate the Purchase Order Number to which the billing or shipment applies. Lake Metroparks will return invoices unpaid to the vendor not referencing a Purchase Order Number.
6. Send ALL invoices to the Administrative Offices to the attention of the Finance Department.
7. Independent Contractor Acknowledgement: All individuals employed under a Lake Metroparks contract who provide services to Lake Metroparks are not considered public employees for the purpose of Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) membership.

A booklet entitled Doing Business with Lake Metroparks, which details the purchasing procedures and invoice payment procedures, is available to any vendor. To obtain a free copy, call 440-639-7275, Fax your request to 440-639-9126, mail a written request to the following address, attention Purchasing Department:
Lake Metroparks Administrative Offices
11211 Spear Rd.
Concord Township, OH 44077

Forms

Purchasing-related forms that will help facilitate working with Lake Metroparks:
Vendor Credit Package

• Purchasing procedure letter
• Credit references
• W-9 form
• Vendor registration form

Tax Exempt Form
Purchase order terms & conditions

Bid/RFP Procedures

Competitive Bidding

All purchase opportunities $75,000 and above will be listed and shall be conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Sections 307.86 to 307.91.

Purchase opportunities $75,000 and above will be advertised once in the local newspaper (The News-Herald) two weeks prior to the due date or bid opening, and on Lake Metroparks website under Competitive Bidding. Bids are solicited through either an Invitation to Bid (ITB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Click here for more information
Click here for a list of current projects

The Purchasing Department’s mission is to assist all departments in the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment and services at the lowest possible cost, consistent with the quality and delivery required. All purchases by an employee, acting as an agent of the Park District, must be made in an open, fair and ethical manner to promote competition and best serve the taxpayers.

If you suspect fraud, you can report your suspicions to the Ohio Auditor of State’s office in one of the following methods:

• To report fraud online, click here.
• Call the SIU Fraud Hotline: 1-866-FRAUD OH (1-866-372-8364)
• Mail a written complaint to Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, Special Investigations Unit, 88 East Broad Street, P.O. Box 1140, Columbus, OH 43215.