The Fulton County School System’s Contracting Department has received the 2006 Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute and Institute of Supply Management.

The award recognizes organizations that are innovative, professional, productive, and have strong leadership. The announcement marks the sixth consecutive year that Fulton’s Contracting Department has achieved this honor, a feat accomplished by no other school system.

The department’s award-winning web site www.fcspurchasingdept.org, is one reason the system has received the award for a sixth year. It allows potential vendors and contractors to register online and be placed on the system bid list, to receive information on how to do business with the system and to view current solicitations.

Employees and departments also can use e-commerce technology to order from vendors who have negotiated contracts with the school system. The site features access to a “virtual mall” that allows employees to order office and custodial supplies and other materials online.