Sourcewell aims to simplify the purchasing and procurement process - and they do it through offering cooperative contracts to their members. The cost savings and stress-free nature of Sourcewell cooperative contracts creates an enticing alternative to RFPs.

By simply becoming a member, which is no-cost and no-obligation, you have unlimited access to hundreds of vendors providing a wide variety of products and services - from phone systems and managed print services, to gym floors and stadium seating, to lawn mowers, employee uniforms and beyond. Check out more, here.

Continue reading to find out who can become a member, how to become a member and why it's worth your time. 

How to Become an Sourcewell Member

Applying for membership is easy, but your organization must fall within one of three categories in order to be eligible. These categories are:

• Education: School boards, districts and individual public or private institutions.
• Government: local, state and federal.
• Nonprofit agencies: all nonprofit agencies may also participate in Sourcewell's program.

To apply for membership, you have three options:

1. Submit an online application. The vast majority of Sourcewell members, roughly 90%, join using the online application process. You'll hear back from the organization within 24 hours, and you'll receive a member ID number electronically. If accepted, an Sourcewell membership packet will arrive in 7-10 business days.
2. Download a paper-based application. Known as the Participating Member Agreement, the paper application contains lines for authorized signatures for the relevant members in your agency and for those at Sourcewell.
3. For government agencies, the Joint Exercise of Powers or Interlocal Agreement may be required. It is a hard copy of the application, and it authorizes a representative of your agency to enter into an agreement with Sourcewell.

Additionally, there is an Associate Member Agreement for nonprofit agencies to fill out. This form is used in the event that the nonprofit requires signatures from authorized members before joining Sourcewell.

As a member of Sourcewell, you join a 50,000-member alliance of agencies and organizations searching for a streamlined purchasing process that saves time and money.

Why You Should Join SOURCEWELL

As an Sourcewell member, you’ll have access to a competitive solicitation and contract process that is more flexible than the standard RFP process. When you submit an RFP, you run the risk of receiving offers that suit the vendor more than they suit your business. With Sourcewell, you can customize a contract to meet your needs.

You'll get your choice of equipment, products and services from reputable vendors offering high quality solutions. However, just because you're a member of the Sourcewell, doesn't mean you're restricted to Sourcewell vendors. You always have the option to perform your own competitive solicitation process.

Finally, the price is right. There is no cost to join Sourcewell, and your organization has no obligation to purchase contracts and no liability to vendors.

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If you've been contemplating Sourcewell membership or are approaching a large purchase, you now have the knowledge and resources to pursue membership. We often recommend Sourcewell membership when we work with eligible organizations, because their cooperative contracts can streamline the process and provide cost-savings.