Our Contracting Process

All agreements offered through National IPA have been awarded via a thorough Request for Proposal (RFP) competitive solicitation by a public agency (Principal Procurement Agency, PPA). The contracting process is the foundation of National IPA and sets us apart from other cooperatives. In order for even the most restrictive agencies nationwide to realize the best value offered by cooperative procurement, National IPA ensures that industry best practices, processes and procedures are applied.

 

The Process

  1. The Principal Procurement Agency (PPA) prepares a competitive solicitation, incorporating language to make the agreement accessible nationally to agencies in states that allow intergovernmental (i.e.: "piggyback") contract usage.

  2. The PPA issues the solicitation and any required amendments and notifications, and conducts pre-proposal conferences/meetings.

  3. Interested suppliers respond to the solicitation.

  4. The PPA evaluates the responses, negotiates the final terms and conditions and ultimately awards the master agreement.

  5. All documentation is posted on the National IPA website and made available to the public.

National IPA is committed to the integrity of the procurement process. Access to solicitation and award documentation is always available in the Documentation sections of each awarded agreement. No FOIA or special request necessary.

The PPA teams and the National IPA team of certified public procurement officials are available to answer any questions you may have or discuss the process in detail.

The Principal Procurement Agencies

The Principal Procurement Agencies (PPA) who currently solicit and award cooperative contracts available through National IPA are considered some of the best procurement teams in the nation.  National IPA is honored to be partnered with the best-of-the-best when it comes to process, procedures and industry leaders. 

For a complete listing of current PPAs, click here.


More information for Potential Suppliers