AACPS has both centralized and decentralized purchasing operations.  Each school or department has separate purchasing authority for smaller items.  If the purchase exceeds $1,000, then the purchasing office gets involved. Procurement credit cards with predetermined limits are also used throughout the organization by authorized personnel.

Competitive Limits:
   Category I:  Less than $5,000 - Competition at the discretion of the buyer
   Category II:  $5,000 to $25,000 - Requires three quotes
   Category III:  More than $25,000 - Requires competitive bidding process