What is the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA)?
The National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA) is a leading national government purchasing cooperative that leverages the purchasing power of public agencies in order to achieve more competitive pricing and better terms for products and services. The NCPA serves a wide range of public entities, including school districts, higher education institutions, cities, counties, and non-profit organizations, by streamlining the procurement process and reducing administrative costs.
How Does the NCPA Work?
The NCPA works by aggregating the purchasing power of its member agencies to negotiate contracts with vendors. These contracts are competitively bid and awarded, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and providing members with access to high-quality products and services at the best possible prices. Members of the NCPA can access these pre-negotiated contracts without having to go through the lengthy and costly bidding process themselves.
Benefits of Using NCPA
- Cost Savings: By pooling the purchasing power of numerous agencies, the NCPA can negotiate significant discounts and favorable terms, leading to substantial cost savings for its members.
- Efficiency: The NCPA simplifies the procurement process, saving time and resources for public agencies that can utilize pre-negotiated contracts instead of conducting their own bids.
- Compliance: Contracts offered through the NCPA are fully compliant with state and local procurement regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues for member agencies.
- Wide Range of Products and Services: The NCPA provides access to a broad array of products and services, from office supplies and technology solutions to maintenance and operational services.
