What determines the order of priority for acquiring supplies according to statutory authorities?

The priority for acquiring supplies according to statutory authorities is typically determined by agency inventories. This means that agencies are expected to utilize their existing inventory before seeking to procure new supplies. This approach is designed to ensure that government resources are effectively managed and that unnecessary purchases are minimized. When agencies are aware of their current inventory levels, they can make informed decisions regarding the acquisition of new supplies, aligning with the goal of financial responsibility and ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently.

Cost efficiency, agency rankings, and the duration of contracts do have their roles in procurement processes but do not dictate the order of priority in the same way that inventory levels do. Cost efficiency relates to obtaining goods at the best possible price, agency rankings focus on the importance or hierarchy of agencies, and the duration of contracts pertains to the length of agreements made with suppliers. However, the foundational principle in prioritizing acquisitions is based on the efficient use of what is already available within agency inventories before buying new supplies.