Purchasing is a division of the Finance Department. In addition to “purchasing,” Purchasing includes a central office supply store, messenger & mail services, and printing services. “Purchasing,” the central office supply store, and messenger & mail services are located on the first floor of City Hall at 515 Clark Avenue.

Procurement & Surplus Disposal
The City of Ames intends to purchase goods and services of high quality consistent with the expected use at the most reasonable cost. The City also intends that all purchasing actions are fair and impartial, that competition is encouraged, and that all qualified sellers or buyers have an opportunity to do business with the City.

Catalogued Inventory & Stores
Purchasing maintains a central office supply store located in the Purchasing Division office area. The store catalog includes commonly used office supplies such as pens, file folders, letterhead, envelopes, toner cartridges, etc.

Messenger & Mail Services
Messenger & Mail Services provides sorting and delivery services for mail and parcels, including incoming, inter-office, and outgoing items.

• UPS shipments are also sent and received daily. Outgoing UPS' Shipments utilize UPS' on-line shipping system called WorldShip.
• Supplies from City Hall Central Office Store are also delivered via Messenger Services.
• An established schedule insures that departments receive US Mail and inter-office mail, and parcel deliveries on a timely basis. Departments and divisions receive deliveries two to four times per day.

The City of Ames is a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP), a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping governments manage tax dollars wisely.