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

Stage One Related Forms

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.