San Diego County supervisors unanimously approved new Standard Operating Procedures for reviewing cooperative contracts on Tuesday, Oct. 27, the County of San Diego said.

County staff reviewed existing contracts and identified ways to shift more purchasing toward small and local vendors; the SOPs set standards for when to use cooperative contracts and when a County‑led procurement may provide better value. Cooperative contracts are shared agreements that offer quick purchasing and competitive pricing, the County said.

The County said it will adopt a simpler procurement method designed specifically for small and local businesses; the method reduces paperwork and concentrates outreach on businesses already operating in San Diego.

The Department of Purchasing and Contracting will expand direct outreach to local vendors, with initial focus on maintenance, repair and operations supplies and on medical and laboratory equipment; the County said those categories have the greatest potential for increased local participation.

County leaders said the updates are expected to keep more taxpayer dollars in the region and strengthen the local economy; that is presented as the County’s expectation rather than a measured outcome at this point.

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County of San Diego

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