Stage One: Need Identification

In Stage One, Need Identification, the procurement process begins with the identification of a purchasing need.

Getting Started

To get started, procurement professionals must complete key critical steps in stage one, as described in the Georgia Procurement Manual, including the following:

• Identify your organization’s purchasing needs
• Determine whether the State Purchasing Act applies (review exemptions in the Georgia Procurement Manual)
• Analyze existing sources of supply, including mandatory statewide contracts, state entity contracts and statutory sources
• Assess available sourcing options, such as piggyback purchases, cooperatives or open market sources
• Determine whether a competitive solicitation is required for purchases of $25,000 or more
• Collaborate with the State Purchasing Division’s Agency Sourcing team for complex, high-risk or high-dollar purchases
• Review special approvals or restrictions, such as trading in used equipment

Statewide Contract Waiver Request 
Logon to the DOAS Customer Hub to submit an online request for a waiver from use of a mandatory statewide contract.

Piggyback Contract Request 
Logon to the DOAS Customer Hub to submit an online request to piggyback on another state entity's contract.