As soon as it is received in the Purveying Service it is numbered, record is made of it and notice of receipt forwarded to the station where it originated with the statement that the receipted requisition bears a certain number to which reference should be made if inquiry is later necessary concerning items appearing thereon. The second step is to the approving officer. Here it is carefully scanned, its contents noted and it is found to include articles of a non-standard or unusual character the requisition is forwarded to that section of the Marine Hospital Division interested in supplies of the class involved, such as Laboratory and X-ray, Physiotherapy, etc., for recommendation as to furnishing, after which it is returned to the approving officer who approves it without change or with amendments deleting certain items entirely or reducing the quantities requisitioned, in each case notifying the station whence the requisition emanated of action taken. In some instances he may request, as you are fully aware, further information relative to the necessity for certain materials. After approval the requisition is returned to the Purveying Service. If the supplies desired are in stock, the Supply Depots are instructed to forward them to the station. Information of this action is sent them at the same time by mailing a carbon copy of shipping order. If not in stock, but covered by the General Schedule of Supplies, articles are purchased under the contracts contained in that schedule. Circular proposals are then prepared for the remaining items which are not carried in stock at the Supply Depots or for whose supply contract has not been placed by the General Supply Committee. Bids are requested from as many firms as are able to supply articles and after a period of from 5 to 10 days award is made to the contractor agreeing to furnish the most suitable article at the lowest price. Before, however, any article can be purchased, unless specifically exempted, inquiry must be made through the Office of the Chief Coordinator, General Supply, as to whether or not the articles desired by the station can be secured from the surplus stocks of any Government Department. Action is this regard is taken prior to issuance of the circular proposal. If the Chief Coordinator states that it is possible to secure the supplies from surplus of a particular department, we must then communicate with the department mentioned to inquire if the articles desired are at that time available. A statement regarding their condition, price and location is also requested. Upon receipt of this information order is placed with the particular department.