Beginning Aug. 1, the Fresno County Purchasing Division will be expanding efforts to improve communication with vendors by implementing a new eProcurement software program from PublicPurchase.com — an online program that will automatically notify registered vendors of bid opportunities with Fresno County Purchasing as soon as they are released.

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County officials say the new program will “expedite” the entire bidding process.

“We want to reach all potential vendors that want to do business with the County and ultimately help businesses work with us to build relationships” said Gary Cornuelle, Fresno County purchasing manager.

Vendors will no longer have to monitor the Purchasing Division website on a daily basis for bid opportunities. Instead, by registering with Fresno County through PublicPurchase.com, they will receive timely relevant bid information and be able to maintain their business profile details, reducing miscommunications and delays. The ability to submit bids electronically is another key advantage of the new eProcurement process. And an additional benefit is that the program is free to use for vendors and Fresno County.

Vendors can get started on the County of Fresno home page (www.co.fresno.ca.us), by clicking on “County Bid Process” on the left side, which will lead to the Purchasing Services webpage. Then vendors can open the “Register Online to Become a Vendor” link for instructions on the registration process or call the Purchasing Division at (559) 600-7110 for help completing the process and to answer any questions.

Cornell said the Purchasing Division is also planning future vendor outreach projects to meet with potential and current vendors for information and discussion on how to more effectively provide products or services.