The Iowa Cooperative Purchasing program allows government entities and subdivisions across the State of Iowa to purchase from contracts (“Master Agreements”) created by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Central Procurement. Cooperative purchasing is a collaborative effort, providing benefits in pricing, product quality, and contract process efficiencies for public purchasing entities throughout the State.
The program was developed in accordance with Iowa Admin. Code r. 11-117.4(3) “Master agreements entered into by the department [DAS] may be extended to and made available for the use of other governmental entities as defined in Iowa Code section 8A.101.”
As defined in Iowa Code § 8A.101 , “governmental entities” include any unit of government in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of government, including its political subdivisions; any unit of the United States government; or any association or other organization whose membership consists primarily of one or more of any of the foregoing. Political subdivisions are defined in the same Section of Iowa Code as “a county, city, school district, or combination thereof”:
Municipalities
Volunteer fire departments
Counties
Volunteer first aid and rescue squads
School districts
Community and state colleges
Benefits
We know the procurement process can be overwhelming and time consuming. Simplify the process and save on the duplication of administrative costs and the time needed to find the right contract by buying off of State of Iowa awarded contracts from vendors you already use.
When you purchase from a State awarded contract, you can take advantage of the best negotiated pricing based on Statewide volume and spend. The more often agencies, local government, and schools use the contract – the more volume and the better rates DAS is able to negotiate. Regardless of your product volume, you reap the rewards of the State volume purchasing power.
DAS contracts (“Master Agreements”) are competed by State of Iowa DAS Central Procurement in accordance with Iowa Code, policies, and procedures. Awarded contracts are compliant with Iowa Code, incorporate appropriate terms and conditions, and insurance coverage requirements, with vendors who have been vetted and approved for use by the State. This allows you to bypass the solicitation process since it has already been at the State level. Save valuable staff time and improve efficiencies, while ensuring compliance with State regulations.
Many State contracts have multiple contractors to help expedite delivery needs throughout the State. Local business owners / dealers often have the ability to honor State contract pricing, allowing you to keep purchases in your community. You work directly with the vendor to secure the goods and services, by simply referencing the State MA # and issuing a purchase order to the State contracted vendor.
It's a free service in which eligible organizations can purchase goods and services from 800+ state contracts directly from vendors. Cooperative purchasing leverages economies of scale that very often result in lower pricing and better terms and conditions.
There is no fee. DAS may ask participants to confirm spend data on purchases made against State MA’s.
No, participation is voluntary. Purchasing from DAS contracts is an option to save you time and money. You may select which contracts to utilize depending upon the needs of your entity.
Eligible organizations simply find the contract they would like to use
Contact the vendor for State contract pricing. Be sure to reference the State of Iowa MA # (contract #) when you contact the vendor.
All quotes and invoices should reference the State of Iowa contract # to ensure contract pricing.
Orders are placed directly to the vendor, with shipment direct to the purchaser.
It may. Your entity’s governing rules and regulations take precedence over Cooperative Purchasing’s. Check with your legal counsel if uncertain what your requirements are.
More than 800 contracts are currently available that offer a wide variety of goods and services. Examples include
cleaning supplies
copiers
flooring
fuel
furniture
industrial supplies
office supplies
paint
paper
uniforms
vehicles, and more.
Services available include document destruction/shredding, digital scanning, translating, building automation, preventive maintenance, vehicle up-fitting, vehicle maintenance and repair, mechanical services HVAC, etc.
State of Iowa awarded contracts are posted on IMPACS. When you navigate to the IMPACS system follow the instructions for public login.
Not always. The program does not guarantee the lowest price on every item. However, all Cooperative Purchasing contracts are awarded through an open procurement process and pricing will be consistently fair and competitive along with established terms and conditions.
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 Iowa businesses, state auditor access to business records and limits on offshore outsourcing that may add costs, but also strengthen important Iowa values.
Yes. State contract information and pricing information is available online.
Yes. First, you can be confident in knowing that your purchases will meet strict standards of ethical and accountable public procurement.
Utilizing DAS awarded contracts can also reduce administrative effort and time, allowing 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 DAS Central Services 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.
The program is funded primarily through administrative fees (paid by Vendors), usually one-quarter to one percent, that are applied to the sales generated against the contract. Contract prices include the administrative fee, if applicable, so customers always know their actual price.
