Leveraging Cooperative Purchasing
Purchasing contracts, sometimes called buying agreements of buying cooperatives enable qualifying organizations to purchase community park and splash play equipment more quickly while satisfying all bid requirements. It also simplifies and expedites the procurement process because instead of seeking quotes, bids or proposals, organizations can purchase Aquatix® by Landscape Structures products from a cooperative contract catalog. There is strength in numbers and buying agreements allow groups to pool their buying power together to negotiate better pricing.
Aqua play purchasing contracts are especially valuable for smaller organizations, agencies and non-profits because they benefit from the market share leveraged by larger consumers and capitalize on the experience and expertise of those with specialized knowledge in the sector. And since the contracts are nationwide government-procurement services, all contracts have gone through a competitive, public bidding process that is compliant with state bidding statutes.
How Splash Park Buying Agreements Work
Aqua play purchasing contracts allow smaller groups to receive the same benefits as much larger organizations. Although every buying group is different, purchasing contracts are typically created and utilized through the following process:
- Two parties or more identify a common requirement suitable for cooperative purchase and sign a written agreement to work together. Usually, other qualifying parties can join the group at any time
- A single lead party solicits proposals and awards a contract(s).
- The awarded contract(s) becomes available for other parties within the buying group to utilize.
- Participating organizations sign an agreement to follow the details laid out in the contract.
Qualifications and Joining a Buying Cooperative
Any tax-based agency or 501c non-profit can take advantage of water play buying agreements. Enrollment is easy and there is no cost. Once enrolled – typically through a short registration process – members can purchase Aquatix by Landscape Structures equipment as well as playground and SkyWays® Shade Products through any of the following contracts:
Sourcewell (formerly National Joints Powers Alliance® [NJPA]) – Landscape Structures holds Contract #010521-LSI for the purchase of playground and park equipment and Contract #010721-LSI for the purchase of outdoor fitness equipment for parks and trails. Eligible groups are schools, universities, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Users can quickly and easily join for free without fees, commitments or obligations. Canoe is the Sourcewell partner covering all of Canada.
NASPO ValuePoint – Landscape Structures Contract #6484 allows for the purchase of park and recreation equipment in all states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. Each state determines which entities including state agencies, higher education institutions, political subdivisions and non-profit organizations may use each NASPO ValuePoint contract.
The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) – Landscape Structures Contract #24070201 allows for the purchase of splash pad, park and playground equipment. Eligible users are education — K-12 school districts, charter schools, universities, colleges, private schools, special education districts, etc.— government agencies including cities, counties, non-profit organizations, Native American Tribes and more. Membership is specific to your home state.
HGACBuy – Landscape Structures Contract #PR11-18 allows for the purchase of splash pad and playground related products as well as the installation of these products. Eligible members are state agencies, municipalities, counties, special districts, qualifying non-profits and other political subdivisions of a state. Potential new contract users can print the inter local agreement from the HGACBuy website, complete it and submit it to HGACBuy for approval.
OMNIA Partners – Landscape Structures Contract #10-03 allows the purchase and installation of aqua play-related products. Eligible organizations include schools, colleges, government entities, state agencies, healthcare or non-profits
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Choosing to work with a splash play buying agreement or purchasing contract schedule can streamline your purchasing timeline and eliminate any guesswork in what materials and or services you will receive.
Contact us to learn how you can take advantage of purchasing contracts for aqua play equipment.
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