Georgia Merit System small business opportunities : how to partner with the Georgia Merit System

VISION Our vision is to champion workforce excellence in delivery of services to our customers and the citizens of Georgia.
MISSION Our mission is to provide leadership in employment relations, staffing, compensation, benefits, and training services that enables state government to accomplish its strategic business objectives.
CORE VALUES
WE VALUE: .:. Strategic alignment with
customer expectations and goal achievement .:. Diversity of people, ideas and customers .:. Collaboration, consensus and empowerment .:. Timely and meaningful communication .:. A competent workforce that is accountable in its duties to the State .:. New challenges and opportunities .:. Best practices and continuous process improvement .:. Quality leadership and innovations .:. Employee development and continuous learning
SERVICE STRATEGY
WE CAN; WE CARE; WE CUSTOMIZE.
Georgia Merit System
(404) 656-2705
www.gms.state.ga.us

Dear Small and Minority Business Owner:
The Georgia Merit System IGMS) appreciates your interest in doing business with our agency. We are committed to ensuring open and equal access to the GMS procurement process. Through deliberate and concerted efforts, GMS works to increase the number of potential vendors and the diversity among those vendors. Broadening participation in the procurement process gives companies such as yours a fair opportunity to compete for a portion of the state's business. Equally as important, it enhances the ability for GMS to obtain the highest quality products and services at the most competitive prices p-ossible.
The Merit System encourages you to take full advantage of the information included in this brochure. Additionally, our knowledgeable and friendly procurement and contract management personnel are always available to answer additional questions or respond to your concerns.
We look forward to building a long and beneficial business partnership with your company.
~#~
Marjorie H. Young Commissioner

Doing Business with the State of Georgia
In January J999, Governor Roy Barnes issued an executive order to increase the level of small and minority-owned business participation in the state contracting process. He asked that increased bid opportunities be extended to the small business community and that more direct assistance be available to small and minority vendors on how the state contracting process works.
Doing Business with the Merit System
The Georgia Merit System is committed to increasing the level of diversity in the state contracting process. Therefore, the agency encourages the development of partnerships with small and minority-owned businesses.
Small and minority vendors interested in doing business with the Georgia Merit System should register with the Merit System Vendor List. Vendors placed on the list will be notified when business opportunities with the Merit System become available.
Generally, vendors can expect to find opportunities available in the following categories: I J) Traditional Purchases and (2) Contracts for Professional Services. The Traditional Purchases category includes printing services, office supplies, equipment and equipment maintenance and repair. Contracts for professional services are usually sought in the areas of deferred compensation and flexible benefits. These contracts typically include third party administrative services, consulting services, and insurance underwriting.
Additional questions may be directed to: The Georgia Merit System
Procurement & Services Officer Suite 504 West Tower
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404-656-2705 www.gms.state.ga.us

Vendor Information Below are some of the types and categories of services and products that the Georgia Merit System purchases from private vendors.

Consulting Flexible Benefits Conflict Management Human Resources Information Technology Marketing Workplace Risk and Loss Reduction; Workplace Safety Diversity Management: Organizational Assessment and Program Planning for Diversity Initiatives Support Staff Skills Training and Public Speaking
E-Iearning Catering Deferred Compensation Administration Third Party Administrative Services
Insurance AD&D, Cancer, Dental, Disability, Legal. Life, Long-term Care, Vision
AlcohoVDrug Testing Medical Examination Program
Printing Paper Office Supplies Office Equipment Office Equipment Maintenance/Repair

Contracted Services Procured Through Competitive Bids/Proposals and Bid Dates

Services Employee Term Life Dependent Life AD&D Flexible Spending Accounts Legal Insurance Drug Testing Long-term Care Insurance Deferred Compo Admin. Short-term Disability Long-term Disability

End Date 6/30/02 6/30/02 6/30/02 6/30/02 6/30/02 6/30/02 6/30/03 6/30/03 6/30/04 6/30/04

Notification of requests for proposals (RFP's) will be mailed out in time for vendors to submit bids.