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The Materials Management Division is responsible for the systematic coordination of selection, acquisition, warehousing, logistics and procurement of supplies and services for the Department. Its mission is to provide with integrity, a matrix-managed customer service organization which yields and is driven by: excellent stewardship of customers and resources, an environment that supports and yields innovation and staff expertise development, and consistent growth by allowing people and partners to share in its success.

Materials Management staff acquire quality products, service and supplies at the best cost. Department policy directs Materials Management as the only division authorized to make purchase commitments (except where special provisions have been made and purchases are monitored by the Division) through the issuance of purchase orders. The Division is comprised of five organizational sections and units:

The Procurement Section manages requests for non-stock supplies and services, conducts product researches, bidding, and negotiation of products and services to achieve competitive pricing. Annually, this section processes an average of 13,000 new requests for supplies and services not available from the Department's Warehouse or personnel. It also processes petty cash vouchers, fixed asset purchases, and purchases funded by grants. The staff is comprised of buying teams who are assigned a specific bureau or division.

The Fire Shops Unit handles ordering, storage, and parts distribution required by the Department's Fleet Maintenance Team, including the management of the Tire Shop. This unit has two locations: the Eastern Avenue Fire Shop and the North County Fire Shop in the City of Lancaster.

The Pacoima Warehouse manages requests and implements inventory control for over 1,100 stock items — everything from paperclips to personnal protective equipment worn by firefighters on the front lines. It is also responsible for all receiving, distribution and shipping operations for the Department.

The Property Unit is responsible for the Department’s accountability, appraisal, and disposal of fixed assets, portable assets, and surplus property. It also manages the Federal Excess Property Program and Recycling Program, as mandated by the County.

The Contracts Section is responsible for establishing and developing service contracts exceeding $100,000. It also represents the Department at hearings required by the Board of Supervisors, handles vendor contract bids and negotiations, request for proposals, and vendor awards.

Materials Management also manages two purchasing pilot programs: the Cal-Card Program, utilizing a Visa credit card account, helps designated Construction and Maintenance Division and Camps Sections personnel make immediate purchases needed to conduct installations, repairs and other Departmental business. The Office Depot Online Ordering Program, with over 60 administrative sites to date, has tremendously streamlined the task of keeping all office personnel stocked with office supplies needed to conduct daily business.