Cooperative Contracts
Is there an easy way to purchase goods and services from suppliers if they don’t have a punch out catalog or any other CU awarded contract? Yes, you can use a cooperative agreement!
What is a Cooperative Agreement?
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to procure goods and services outside of an existing contract is by using a cooperative. Cooperative purchasing is a procurement tool that allows organizations to purchase goods and services using existing contracts already solicited and awarded by other public agencies or a group purchasing organization. One of the most compelling advantages of cooperative contracts is cost savings. By aggregating demand, these agreements secure bulk pricing and favorable terms. The second advantage is time savings. Since these contracts have already gone through the competitive process, we eliminate the need for a DQ, Bid, or RFP process.
Where can I find contracts and/or suppliers?
The PSC is a member of multiple Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) that offer access to their competitively solicited agreements. End users are encouraged to review the following organizations and see if there are any contracts/suppliers that can be utilized:
Another tool we have access to is called pavilion. You can search by product, service, brand or supplier and search results will show you if there are any cooperative contracts available.
I found a contract I want to use, now what?
If you find a supplier or contract that meets your needs, reach out to the supplier for a quote; the quote must refer to the cooperative agreement to ensure compliance. Once the quote is received, enter a requisition in Marketplace. If the purchase is over $50,000.00, in the source selection and price reasonableness section of the requisition form, you would select cooperative contract and enter the agency name and contract number (see screenshot below).
How does CU benefit?
Overall, cooperative purchasing provides CU with a streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective way to procure goods and services ensuring we meet our operational needs, while adhering to procurement rules, and achieving cost savings.
For additional information or questions on how to use cooperatives, please contact the Purchasing Agent associated with the commodity or review the following webpage.