Schools save big through allied purchasing power
U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance offered through CSBA
Published: August 14, 2012
It’s no secret that California’s public schools are facing unprecedented budget reductions as state lawmakers continue to slash support for public education. That’s why governing boards and school district and county office of education staff throughout California are devising all manner of creative strategies to salvage essential services for students.
One obvious way to start saving money is by finding ways to do more with less. More than 700 of CSBA’s members have signed on to do just that by taking advantage of volume discounts on essential products available through the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.
A national cooperative of more than 50,000 local governments, school districts and nonprofit corporations, the Alliance combines the purchasing power of participating agencies to access lower costs for supply and service contracts. There is no cost to participate, no contractual obligations, and participants can take advantage of discounts on a diverse range of products—from school and office supplies, furniture, carpet and flooring to technology, janitorial supplies, park and playground equipment and much more.
Arthur Hanby, strategic sourcing and contracts officer for the San Diego Unified School District, said the Alliance has saved his district “tens of thousands” of dollars. “We know with this program we get the lowest and best price from top-tier, nationally recognized companies,” he said.
“We saved over $200,000 in two years on frozen food and groceries for the district’s feeding program because of a nationwide cooperative contract. We also save on every purchase of classroom furniture, as well as science supplies, chemicals and equipment because of nationwide cooperative contracts. Combining our purchasing power reduces how we spend taxpayer dollars in certain areas so that there’s more money for classroom instruction and school support.”
Because it offers vendors such a huge market of potential buyers, the purchasing alliance can achieve the best possible prices on essential goods and equipment—helping school districts and county offices of education focus resources on crucial educational services to students.
The Alliance also offers volume discounts on environmentally certified products and services. U.S. Communities’ Green Initiative affords a “one-stop source” for products that meet third-party environmental certification standards from eco-savvy reviewers like Energy Star, EcoLogo and Green Seal.
To learn more, contact U.S. Communities at 866-472-7467 or by email at info@uscommunities.org. Information is also available on the CSBA website: http://bit.ly/PLRVqI