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What is FOCUS?
FOCUS -- Fast Open Contracts Utilization Services -- is California's
only nationwide, local government-to-government purchasing program.
It allows cities, counties, schools, special districts and other
public entities to acquire technology products and services -- quickly,
easily, and at competitive rates.
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What are the benefits of participating
in FOCUS?
FOCUS gives you access to pre-screened, competitively bid vendors
in the technology industry, so that you can avoid the expense and
delay of a protracted government RFP process. There is no charge
for you to take advantage of the benefits of FOCUS -- no associations
to join or administrative fees to be paid. Most favored public agency
pricing is offered by all FOCUS vendors.
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Can my public agency use this program without
going out to bid?
Yes, in most states. Each state has its own laws addressing intergovernmental
purchasing. We recommend the local jurisdiction's elected body approve
the use of the program, unless the power to decide has already been
delegated.
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What is a joint powers agreement?
It is an agreement between two or more public entities for some
joint purpose. For the purpose of FOCUS, a joint powers agreement
is required to use Merced County's technology contracts. The execution
document is the signed public agency's purchase order that references
the specific FOCUS vendor contract number. The original is forwarded
to the specific FOCUS vendor and an information copy is forwarded
to the Merced County Department of Business-Economic Opportunities
via U.S. Mail, facsimile or e-mail. That's it!
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How can I obtain copies of the legal
documentation associated with each contract?
Call 209.385.7686
or fill in the form on our Information
Request page.
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How does a public agency participate
in FOCUS?
It's easy to get started with FOCUS. The first step is to seek
a right to use the basic FOCUS contract from your administrative
authority. In order for a public agency to participate in FOCUS,
the public agency must complete a joint powers agreement with Merced
County. Merced County has determined that agreements are accomplished
by referencing the specific FOCUS contract number on each public
agency's purchase order, forwarding the original to the FOCUS vendor-partner,
and providing an information copy to the Merced County Department
of Business-Economic Opportunities via U.S. mail, fax or e-mail.
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How much does it cost a public agency to participate
in FOCUS?
There is no charge for you to take advantage of the benefits of
FOCUS -- no associations to join or administrative fees to be paid.
The price you get from the vendor is all you pay.
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