70 Chicago Bureau of Public Efficiency 



are requested by telephone, opportunity is afforded the persons 

 representing the Park Boards to vary their requests to the differ- 

 ent dealers with respect to quantities, description of commodity 

 required and place and time of delivery, so as to affect the prices 

 quoted and hence enable a favored dealer to appear as low bid- 

 der. Rarely would such a practice become apparent. Much 

 the better way is to make written requests and secure written 

 bids. The latter should then be attached to the requisition or 

 specification. For this reason also it is better to buy less fre- 

 quently and in large quantities. 



The purchase of larger quantities which would be possible 

 under a consolidation of the park governments would secure 

 lower shipping rates. This would apply particularly to gravel, 

 sand, cement, black soil, etc., which are items of large cost to the 

 Park Boards each year. 



NEED FOR STANDARDIZATION 



Within the last few years, commercial organizations have 

 awakened to the immense savings which are possible by standard- 

 izing their equipment, materials and supplies. Several cities, 

 notably New York, are now engaged in similar work of stan- 

 dardization. An examination of the purchases made by the 

 Park Boards indicates that the large savings which would be 

 possible if the purchasing power of the several Boards were con- 

 solidated would be largely increased by a standardization of the 

 objects of purchase. 



The accomplishment of this result would include a careful 

 study by officials especially authorized for that purpose, to de- 

 termine which kind or grade of each supply and material and 

 also which style of equipment is best adapted for the particular 

 need to be supplied. In determining these matters the officials 

 would, of course, consider the original cost as well as the rela- 

 tive efficiency of the final results obtained therewith. Having 

 determined upon the kinds, grades, styles, etc. best adapted for 

 the particular uses, they would thenceforth be recognized as 

 standard. Adequate descriptions thereof would then be fur- 



