The procurement process can be very frustrating, especially for organizations that are trying to accomplish a lot on a limited budget. But depending on your organization and its location, you might have a powerful secret weapon: cooperative purchasing.
What Is Cooperative Purchasing?
Cooperative purchasing is when multiple organizations put all of their buying requirements into a single contract to enhance their individual purchasing power.
There are a few misconceptions about cooperative purchasing, but in a nutshell, it allows organizations to minimize the time and bureaucracy associated with procurement and to put additional pressure on sellers to lower their prices and offer more favorable terms.
What Is Cooperative Purchasing Connection?
Cooperative Purchasing Connection (CPC) was created for schools, city & county governments, and nonprofit organizations located in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota with some contracts available in Wisconsin. However, similar organizations in the United States can also become participating agencies. Participation is typically free, but organizations in some states may have to pay a small, one-time fee.
Some examples of what members can use CPC to procure include the following:
- Capital projects
- Facility maintenance
- Classroom and office supplies
- Computers and software
- Copiers and printers
- Audio Visual equipment
- Physical security solutions
- Books and physical education equipment
How To Use CPC’s Cooperative Purchasing Contracts
The next time you need to make a purchase, you can either search CPC’s vendor list by category or if you already have a preferred provider, you can simply find their company’s name in the vendor list.
We’ve been working with CPC for years to help organizations get more for their money — you’ll find our name, as well as information about our current CPC contracts and information about how to make a purchase right here.
Our Current CPC Contracts
Looking to upgrade your school’s security systems, sound amplification capabilities, or interactive technology? We’re currently contracted to provide all three! Each service is assigned a different contract number. Here are our current contracts:
Contract #23.3: Security
Security cameras, intrusion detection, and door access controls. Available in MN, ND, and SD.
Contract #24.1: Sound Amplification
Bell, intercom, paging, portable sound solutions, and audio enhancement products. Available in MN, ND, and SD.
Contract #25.3: Interactive Technology
Audio-visual equipment, multimedia and interactive furniture, Chromebooks, mobile devices, and large format printers. Available in MN, ND, SD, and WI.
A Client Success Story
One public school district in North Dakota wanted to upgrade its aging intercom system for a number of reasons. Multiple components had stopped working, repair parts were no longer available, and the system didn’t integrate with the district’s fire and emergency lockdown system. It had been on the wish list for a while, but like most schools, the budget was tight.
Fortunately, the district was able to take advantage of our CPC contract, which helped them expedite the procurement process and lock in a competitive price.
In addition to helping the district be better prepared for emergencies, we were also able to stretch their dollars further. Our experts provided teachers with microphones connected to speakers in the ceiling so students had an easier time staying fully engaged with the lesson.
Interested in learning more? Check out our full case study below! 
