A cooperative purchasing program combines multiple buyers’ requirements on a single contract to aggregate volume and raise the purchasing power of each participating entity. A lead agency typically conducts the solicitation, allowing other agencies to “piggyback” on the resulting contract. Through cooperatives, entities can negotiate lower prices and reduce time spent on procurement processes and establishing contracts.

Who can use cooperative purchasing?

Cooperative Purchasing can be advantageous for nonprofit organizations, local governments, fire and EMS departments, police departments, and sheriffs’ offices.

What are the benefits of cooperative purchasing?

Cooperative purchasing contracts can save buyers time and money. By the time a buyer is presented with the contract, a competitive bid process has already been completed in accordance with state-specific requirements, and there is no need to write or advertise the bid solicitation, receive and evaluate proposals, or negotiate the reward. The contracts also offer scale and negotiation leverage that helps buyers attain better and more affordable pricing. The transparency of these contracts ensures that the purchasing process is competitive and enhances buyers’ confidence that they are getting a fair deal.

All Traffic Solutions puts in extra effort to secure contracts that make the purchasing process easier and more affordable. Visit our purchase options webpage to view all of the state contracts and purchasing websites on which All Traffic Solutions is an approved vendor. Most recently, ATS joined the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association’s Heavy Equipment Procurement Program, a Virginia-based program that also allows some entities from other states to make purchases.

Ask your Territory Manager to find out how our contracts can help you with your procurement needs.

By Shauna Barnes
Contracts Specialist, All Traffic Solutions