The request for proposal, or RFP, process probably feels like a thorn in the side for most purchasing managers and administrators. When it comes time for entities like school districts, government agencies and nonprofit groups to buy a new business phone system, the RFP process is not only a source of stress but a drain on time and resources. 

Luckily, there is a simpler solution that allows you to make purchases quickly while adhering to the guidelines of the RFP process. Purchasing a new phone system through cooperative contracts trades the lengthy RFP process for two simple steps.

Cooperative Contracts through Sourcewell

Sourcewell has been working for more than a decade to build a national, cooperative network of vendors and manufacturers dedicated to providing organizations bound by the RFP process with quick, affordable solutions to technology upgrades. Buying a new phone system through Sourcewell cooperative contracts takes just two quick steps.

#1: Choose a Mitel Service Provider

When you're seeking a new phone system through an RFP, you'll receive competitive solicitations from a number of vendors. Although you've provided the guidelines for vendors and manufacturers outlining your operational requirements, you'll undoubtedly receive competitive solicitations that are either too expensive or lacking in fundamental pieces needed by your group.

Thanks to cooperative contracts from Sourcewell, preapproved competitive solicitations are provided for you. Mitel is the exclusive vendor for business phone systems and telecommunication solutions. All you need to do is select a Mitel service provider that can help you design a system that meets your needs and budget.

Mitel provides top-of-the-line telephone products and systems that can be found in the offices of small and mid-size companies, as well as Fortune 500 companies.

#2: Become a Member of Sourcewell

Sourcewell seeks to provide school districts, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations with the purchasing power required to compete on a national level. While Fortune 500 companies and other for-profit companies may have more resources that make it easier to update technological products, organizations operating under tight budgets and constrained by the RFP process encounter more difficulties.

To access these benefits, the only thing you have to do is become a member, which is easier than you might think. In fact, some organizations find out they are already members; this usually happens when another group or department within the organization realized the benefits of Sourcewell, so they became a member while making a different purchase for the organization.

If your organization is not a member of the Sourcewell, the easiest path to membership is through the Sourcewell online application. Almost 90% of Sourcewell's members join using the online application. You'll receive your member ID electronically within 24 hours of completing your application, and within 7 to 10 business days, you'll have the welcome package you need to hit the ground running with the Sourcewell.

Benefits of Sourcewell Membership and Contracts

Becoming a member of Sourcewell affords you many benefits. First off, you'll have access to cooperative contracts with competitive pricing included with your free membership. There are not costs of membership: including no monthly dues or fees owed to the Sourcewell. Additionally, you can browse the list of available competitive solicitations on phone systems and other equipment, with no obligation to purchase and no liability for your group.

Best of all, you have access to top-of-the-line products that won't break your budget. Once you select a vendor's competitive solicitation, Sourcewell and your selected Mitel dealer can handle the rest of the purchasing process.