It's a free service in which eligible organizations can purchase goods and services from more than 800 state contracts directly from vendors. Cooperative purchasing leverages economies of scale that very often result in lower pricing and better terms and conditions.
Cities, counties, townships, school districts, colleges and universities, fire departments, watershed districts, certain non-profit organizations, and others.
Eligible organizations simply sign up for a password, which gives them direct access to over 800 state contracts. Orders are placed directly to the vendor, with shipment direct to the purchaser.
More than 800 contracts are currently available that offer a wide variety of goods and services. Examples include computer hardware and software, cleaning supplies, vehicles, cell phones, copiers, furniture, fuel, industrial supplies, paint, paper, road salt, telecommunications equipment, uniforms, and much more. Services available include IT consulting, IT staff augmentation, hazardous waste recycling, packaging/assembly, digital imaging, roof repair, translating, and others.
Not always. The program does not guarantee the lowest price on every item, however, all CPV contracts are awarded through an open procurement process and pricing will be consistently fair and competitive.
There could be a number of possibilities, including:
Vendors may offer to sell at prices lower than the state contract as a marketing strategy.
The lower-priced offering may not provide a comparable level of warranty and liability protections.
State requirements such as environmental responsibility, support for small Minnesota businesses, state auditor access to business records and limits on offshore outsourcing that may add costs, but also strengthen important Minnesota values.
Yes. First, you can be confident in knowing that your purchases will meet strict standards of ethical and accountable public procurement. Participation in CPV can also reduce administrative effort and wait-times and free staff to concentrate on mission-critical activities.
Yes. We welcome and encourage participation on ad hoc work groups that help identify needs and specifications. Representatives of your organization can also serve on panels that evaluate vendor responses. Participation is voluntary.
Purchasing experts from the Office of State Procurement research products and market conditions, negotiate for favorable terms and pricing, and assist members with vendor management issues, including vendor disputes. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal support and representation.
We partially fund the program through small administrative fees, usually one-quarter to one percent, that are applied to the sales generated against the contract. Of the contract releases managed by our office, fewer than ten percent have an administrative fee applied to them. Contract prices include the administrative fee, if applicable, so customers always know their actual price.
