Materiel Management Branch
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Materiel Management Home
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Materiel Management Branch - Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Why Materiel?
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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.
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General Stores Distribution Section
- How do I find items in the Catalog of Supplies and Equipment?
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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.
- How do I place an order to General Stores Distribution?
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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.
- How does the quality of the items in General Stores Distribution compare to other competitors?
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Every purchase from General Stores Distribution carries a 100% unconditional satisfaction guarantee. The District stocks and carries name-brand products.
- What is General Stores Distribution replacing the DNR (Do Not Reorder) item with?
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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.
- When will I receive my supplies that are in back-order?
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Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009. The representative can give you the estimated date of delivery of your items.
- I need an emergency purchase. What do I need to do?
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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.
- Why is an item listed as "discontinued"?
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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.
- If I can get an item cheaper somewhere else, is General Stores Distribution willing to meet or beat their price?
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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.
- What items are the Top Selling categories that are required General Stores Distribution purchases?
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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.
- How do I find out what brand is currently available from General Stores Distribution?
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Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.
- How do I check the availability of supplies and equipment items in General Stores Distribution?
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Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.
- How do I get more information on District Publications?
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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.
- How do I check the status of items ordered from General Stores Distribution?
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Call Customer Service at (562) 654-9009.
- How do I get a refund or a replacement for damaged or unsatisfactory items?
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Complete the Order Adjustment Form and fax the completed form to Stores Claims Clerk at (562) 654-9015.
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Surplus Property & Recycling Annex (formerly Salvage)
- How do I arrange for a surplus property (salvage) pick up?
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- How to Arrange for Surplus Property (Salvage) Pick Up - Instructions for completing the form and a sample form.
- Transportation Order Form - Form to request a pick up.
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Mail Support Services Unit
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Non-Profit Permit Mail
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- How many pieces do you need in order to qualify for a non-profit mailing?
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200
- Can non-profit mail be taken directly to the Post Office or dropped in a USPS mailbox?
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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.
- Do the non-profit permit stamp indicia have to be imprinted on the envelopes?
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No, we can now meter mail at the non-profit rate using our meter machines.
- Does non-profit mail have to be sealed?
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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.
- Does non-profit mail have to be sorted by zip code and bundled?
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No, it may be placed in a box with flaps up and overlapping and facing the same direction.
- Do we have to send in the non-profit mailing all at once?
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No, as long as you send at least 200 pieces each time.
- Can we send test scores or class schedules as non-profit to save on postage?
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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.
- Can we use window envelopes for non-profit mail?
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Yes, as long as the address showing through the window is the only personalized information on the actual letter.
- Can we include flyers from outside vendors such as uniform companies, health care providers, school pictures, yearbook announcements?
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No, aside from being against LAUSD Board Policy, USPS does not allow other companies to advertise using our permit status.
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First Class Mail
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- Do we have to seal first class letter mail?
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No, it may be placed in a box with flaps up and overlapping and facing the same direction.
- How long does first class mail take to be delivered?
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USPS will deliver in 1 to 3 working days.
- How many sheets of paper can be placed in a letter envelope?
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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.
- Can we mail folded or tabbed materials first class?
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No, due to strict guidelines, the Mail Unit will no longer process open-ended materials. All flyers must be enclosed in an envelope.
- Do we have to seal all large envelopes?
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Yes, our machines are only able to seal legal-sized letter envelopes. DO NOT USE CLASP ENVELOPES.
- Can first class mail be taken directly to the Post Office or dropped in a USPS mailbox?
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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.
- Do we need to call the Mail Unit when we have a large mailing to be picked up?
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Yes, call the Mail Unit at (562) 654-9002 one day prior to requiring a large mailing pick-up.
- Will the Mail Unit advise schools and offices on how best to send out mailings?
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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.
- Does the Mail Unit offer folding and inserting mail for schools and offices?
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The Mail Unit does not offer this type of service; the mail must come to us already prepared.
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Reprographic Support Services Unit
- How do I order business cards?
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Please click here to see how to order your business cards in 6 easy steps and visit Repro online to make orders.