• Materiel Management Branch - Frequently Asked Questions
     

     

    General Questions

Regarding the Materiel Management Branch's use of the term "Materiel" rather than "Material," we are occasionally asked why we elect to use the former than the latter. 

The classic definition of the term "Materiel" is, "equipment, apparatus, and supplies used by an organization or institution." The term "Materiel" is a long standing term used in the business and government sectors in reference to the movement and distribution of goods, and the logistics support functions for large operational systems. One of the largest institutions most commonly using the term is the U.S. Military's Materiel Distribution Centers. Likewise, as a large institution, the Los Angeles Unified School District has adopted the use of the materiel word to highlight the significance of the distribution operation's support function.

  • General Stores Distribution Section

Search the Table of Contents section in the front of the Catalog for an alphabetical listing of major product categories (i.e., Athletic Equipment, Educational Tools, Office Essentials, etc.). Also, use the alphabetical index at the back of the Catalog to locate items by common name (i.e., Balls, Index Card, Staples, etc.). If you are still having problems locating a certain item(s), call Customer service at (562) 654-9009 or email us at cs.stores@lausd.net.

You can place an order using one of these methods:

  • Create a LRP order in our LRP Interim Ordering System and email the order to our Shopping Cart Support Center.
  • Create a Shopping Cart in SAP and choose the delivery priority regular, same day, overnight or will-call. If you require assistance in placing the order, please contact Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.

Every purchase from General Stores Distribution carries a 100% unconditional satisfaction guarantee. The District stocks and carries name-brand products.

Depending on the reason for its discontinuation, a DNR item may be replaced with an item of equal or better quality or a similar product for which customers have expressed a greater interest. In some cases, the item may not be replaced at all.

Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009. The representative can give you the estimated date of delivery of your items.

Depending on how soon you need the product, there are a few ways you can place an emergency order:

  • Do an Over-the-Counter (OC) transaction in SAP and indicate your delivery requirement in the comments field.
  • During the transition period use the LRP Interim Ordering Process to create an LRP Requisition form where there will be Delivery Options: Regular Delivery, Will Call, Overnight Delivery or Same Day Delivery available for you to choose from.
  • Overnight and same day deliveries are also available for a small fee ($9.00 per 80 lb. for overnight and $13.00 per 80 lb. for same day).
  • Call the Customer Service at (562) 654-9009 or email us at cs.stores@lausd.net for all of your emergency needs.

Items may be listed "discontinued" for several reasons. Sometimes the item is obsolete, selling poorly or no longer cost-effective to stock in the distribution center. We try to keep our inventory as "lean" as possible so we can pass on the savings to you.

General Stores Distribution will meet or beat a competitor's advertised price for the identical item, with some restrictions. Fill out the Price Match Form and fax to Customer Service at (562) 654-9019 or email to cs.stores@lausd.net.

A complete listing of the Top Selling items begins as the first section in the General Stores Distribution Supplies and Equipment Catalog and also can be found in General Stores Distribution Online Catalog.

Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.

Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.

Forms & Publications section can be found towards the end of the General Stores Distribution Supplies and Equipment Catalog and also under Forms & Publication section in the Online Catalog. You may also call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009 or Reprographic Services at (562) 654-9052.

Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.

Complete the Order Adjustment Form and fax the completed form to Stores Claims Clerk at (562) 654-9015.

  • Surplus Property & Recycling Annex (formerly Salvage)

  • Mail Support Services Unit

     

    • Non-Profit Permit Mail

200

No, it must come to the Mail Unit for special processing. Taking it to the USPS or placing in a USPS mailbox will delay your mail and can cause the LAUSD to lose its permit privileges.

No, we can now meter mail at the non-profit rate using our meter machines.

No, if we are metering the mail. Yes, if the mail has the non-profit stamp pre-printed on the envelopes. Always seal anything larger than a legal letter envelope.

No, it may be placed in a box with flaps up and overlapping and facing the same direction.

No, as long as you send at least 200 pieces each time.

No, only identical, generic material can be sent as non-profit. All personalized letters must be sent first class mail. Refer to Reference Guide 1330, Non-Profit Permit Mail, for more detailed preparation requirements.

Yes, as long as the address showing through the window is the only personalized information on the actual letter.

No, aside from being against LAUSD Board Policy, USPS does not allow other companies to advertise using our permit status.

    • First Class Mail

No, it may be placed in a box with flaps up and overlapping and facing the same direction.

USPS will deliver in 1 to 3 working days.

Six sheets of paper or less can be placed in a legal-sized letter envelope. If sending more than six sheets of paper, fold in half, place in a 6"x 9" envelope, and seal flap. This will qualify for letter rate postage.

No, due to strict guidelines, the Mail Unit will no longer process open-ended materials. All flyers must be enclosed in an envelope.

Yes, our machines are only able to seal legal-sized letter envelopes. DO NOT USE CLASP ENVELOPES.

No, it must come to the Mail Unit for special processing. Taking it to the USPS or placing in a USPS mailbox will delay your mail and can cause the LAUSD to lose its permit privileges.

Yes, call the Mail Unit at (562) 654-9002 one day prior to requiring a large mailing pick-up.

Yes, send the Mail Unit a sample via school mail or fax it to (562) 654-9012, or call us at (562) 654-9002 and we will gladly advise you on your mailing options.

The Mail Unit does not offer this type of service; the mail must come to us already prepared.

  • Reprographic Support Services Unit

Please click here to see how to order your business cards in 6 easy steps and visit Repro online to make orders.