The Role of the State Auditor and Inspector in County Purchasing

The State Auditor and Inspector (SA&I) is responsible for establishing the procedures necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the county purchasing system and for developing the forms required for record-keeping and auditing purposes.
74 O.S. § 214

In the county purchasing process, SA&I has the following general responsibilities:

• Provide procedures, forms, and guidance for operating the county purchasing system; 69 O.S. § 636.3(G)
• Receive and review documentation for the full warranty lease of road machinery and equipment; 69 O.S. § 636.3(G)
• Forward documentation of the lowest and best bid to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES); 19 O.S. § 171 et seq
• Ensure compliance by performing audits of county purchasing procedures.

The Role of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in County Purchasing

In the county purchasing process, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has the following general responsibilities:

• 69 O.S. § 636.1
• 69 O.S. § 636.2
• Provide general oversight of federal and state fund allocations for use on roads and bridges;
• Use the County Road Machinery and Equipment Revolving Fund to purchase new or used road and bridge equipment for lease or lease purchase to counties upon request by the county:
  • Refer to Chapter Seven, “Purchasing by Rental, Lease, or Lease Purchase.”
• Assist counties in road plans and specifications; 69 O.S. § 636.6(B)
• Allow participation in ODOT auctions for the sale of county property; 69 O.S. § 636.3(E)
• Certify to the county that funds are unavailable in the County Road Machinery and Equipment Revolving Fund.

The Role of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services

74 O.S. § 85.1 et seq

OMES - Central Purchasing Division performs procurement functions and provides oversight of state agencies' procurement activities as defined by the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and ensures fair and equitable processes for procurement functions resulting in timely delivery of quality products and support service. OMES services are extended to counties under the county purchasing laws. OMES, Central Purchasing Division, performs the following tasks: 19 O.S. § 1501(A)(3)(m)

• Provides access to statewide contracts;
• Solicits bids on behalf of a county when requested; 19 O.S. § 1505(B)(1)
• Provides access to the Oklahoma credit card contract, also known as P-Card or purchase card contract: 74 O.S. § 85.2 , 74 O.S. § 85.5
  • Refer to Chapter Nine, “Credit Card Purchases.”

The Role of the Oklahoma State University – County Training Program in County Purchasing

The County Training Program (CTP) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) (implemented by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service [OCES]) has the following responsibilities regarding county purchasing in Oklahoma:

19 O.S. § 130.2

• Prepare, revise, publish, and distribute the Purchasing Handbook for Oklahoma Counties; 19 O.S. § 1500(B)
• Plan and conduct training sessions for county purchasing agents at least once each year; 19 O.S. § 130.5
• Provide technical assistance to county purchasing agents, county offices, and other county entities on purchasing procedures.