The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS), also known as a Cooperative Purchasing Program or Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, is a collaborative procurement arrangement that allows K-12 school districts, charter schools, and colleges & universities (both state & private) to combine their purchasing power and resources to obtain goods and services at a more favorable price and under better terms. Joining such a system can offer several benefits to schools and universities. Let's dive in to see what TIPS can offer you:

• Cost Savings: One of the primary advantages of participating in The Interlocal Purchasing System is the potential for cost savings. By leveraging the collective buying power of multiple institutions, schools and universities can secure bulk discounts, volume pricing, and other favorable terms that they might not be able to obtain individually.

Efficiency: The cooperative purchasing process streamlines procurement procedures. Instead of each school or university conducting separate procurement processes, the system centralizes the process. This can save time and effort in sourcing, evaluating vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing purchases.

Access to a Wide Range of Suppliers: Interlocal Purchasing Systems often have established relationships with a diverse range of suppliers and vendors. This means that participating schools and universities can access a broader pool of potential suppliers, which can lead to more competitive bids and a wider selection of goods and services.

Reduced Administrative Burden: Participating institutions can benefit from shared administrative resources. This can lead to reduced paperwork, simplified contract management, and more consistent procurement procedures across multiple campuses.

Expertise and Best Practices: Interlocal Purchasing Systems often have procurement professionals with expertise in negotiating contracts, evaluating vendors, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Schools and universities can benefit from the system's knowledge and best practices, even if they don't have specialized procurement staff.

Compliance and Transparency: These systems typically adhere to established procurement regulations and guidelines. This can provide schools and universities with confidence that their purchases are made in a compliant and transparent manner.

Pooling Resources: Smaller schools or universities that might not have the same purchasing power as larger institutions can benefit from the collective strength of the group. This allows them to access better deals and terms that they might not be able to secure on their own.

Flexibility: While participating in an Interlocal Purchasing System offers advantages in terms of cost savings and efficiency, schools and universities still have the flexibility to choose the products and services that best meet their specific needs.

Risk Reduction: Collaborating with other institutions can help mitigate risks associated with procurement, such as vendor reliability, contract disputes, and fluctuating market conditions.

Networking and Collaboration: Joining an Interlocal Purchasing System can provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other educational institutions. Sharing experiences, insights, and best practices can contribute to overall institutional improvement.

Wilmot Modular Structures is an awarded contract holder for modular buildings and site development services with the Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS). Wilmot can provide a turnkey project and offers a variety of standard modular buildings or can custom-design a building per your needs. View the TIPS website for more information and how to become a member.