Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the City of Olympia to Use the U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Alliance
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution allowing the City of Olympia to use the U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Alliance to purchase products and services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to re-establish use of the U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Alliance.
Staff Contact:
Thanh Jeffers, Public Works, Contract Administrator, 360.753.8278
Presenter(s):
None. Consent calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
In March 2009, the City Council approved a resolution allowing City staff to use the U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (Alliance) to acquire goods and services. We accessed the Alliance to purchase cubicles for the new City Hall and to reroof three City-owned buildings. City Council approved staff to use the Alliance through March 31, 2011. This approval has since expired. To access the Alliance services, a new resolution from City Council is required.
The Alliance was formed in cooperation with an advisory board of local and state government officials and jointly sponsored by the National Association of Governmental Counties, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, the National League of Cities, and the United States Conference of Mayors. The Alliance pools the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide to achieve the most favorable pricing for local agencies.
The Alliance offers the following advantages:
1. Savings:
• The most favorable government pricing, exceeding the savings available through state contracts.
• Offers up to 60% off retail pricing with no user fees.
• Combines the potential purchasing power of up to 87,000 local agencies.
2. Competitively solicited with oversight: An advisory board guides the program direction and selects high quality products; all contracts are competitively solicited and meet government contract requirements.
3. Wide range of products: the Alliance offers products useful to the City of Olympia, ranging from office supplies, to playground equipment to roofing materials.
4. Approved for use in the State of Washington: On March 26, 2004, Governor Gary Locke signed House Bill 2615 modifying the Washington Interlocal Cooperation Act, which stated that U.S. Communities contracts are available to all Washington local public agencies without any further solicitation process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution to allow the City of Olympia to use the U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Alliance to purchase products and services.
Implications
A. Access to high quality products and services at the best prices available in the market.
B. The cost savings apply to a variety of products and services.
C. Provides one more options for purchasing, allowing staff to maximize budgeted funds.
2. Do not approve the Resolution. Direct staff to go through the standard process to select vendors for all new services and goods.
Implications
A. Adds time and cost to the acquisition process.
Financial Impact:
There is no cost to join the Alliance. Membership will provide opportunities to save money. The amount will vary, depending on the product or service acquired.
Attachment:
1. Resolution Authorizing Participation in the U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Alliance.