Management Services strives to create an almost entirely automated purchasing process with integrity. Most department requests for purchases are processed through the use of electronic requisitioning with purchase orders recorded, sourced and created in one location.

Centralized purchasing yields benefits that lead to lower overall costs and ultimately substantial savings for the city's taxpayers. The objectives of centralized purchasing are to obtain the right materials or services in the right quantity, at the right time, from the right source at the right price, and finally, going to the right place. Generally, the most effective purchasing agencies establish a combination of centralized and decentralized operations. We have adopted and tailored this method of operation to meet the City's specific needs.

Mandates have been established by the Mount Vernon City Charter, in addition to federal and state mandates for purchasing agencies. The Model Procurement Code and the Uniform Commercial Code are used as guides to achieve excellence. Purchases carried out through federal, state and local government contracts has allowed the City to expand its network of vendors, domestically as well as internationally resulting in reduced operating costs incurred by the City of Mount Vernon.