What It Means to Buy Through a Government Contract 

When public agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions need to make purchases—from vehicles and equipment to software and services—they often face a lengthy and complex bidding process. That’s where cooperative purchasing contracts come in.

But what exactly does it mean to buy through one of these contracts—and why does it matter?

The Basics: What Is a Government Purchasing Contract?

Government purchasing contracts, also called cooperative contracts, are competitively solicited agreements that public entities can “piggyback” on. These contracts are awarded to vendors who have already gone through a rigorous competitive bidding process on behalf of multiple agencies. This ensures compliance with local and state procurement laws while saving time, money, and resources.

In simple terms: someone else has already done the hard work of vetting the vendors and securing competitive pricing, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Meet the Big Names

Here’s a quick overview of three commonly used cooperative purchasing groups:

• Sourcewell: A national cooperative purchasing organization serving government, education, and nonprofit entities across the U.S. Sourcewell offers a wide range of contracts for everything from fleet vehicles to office supplies and IT services.

• Multiplicity: While not as widely known, Multiplicity serves a similar purpose, offering cooperative contracts that streamline the procurement process. It’s typically used by agencies looking for flexibility, transparency, and compliance in their purchasing.

• CES (Cooperative Educational Services): Primarily serving New Mexico, CES provides contracts that support school districts and other government entities with procurement solutions in construction, maintenance, transportation, technology, and more.

Why Use a Cooperative Contract?

There are several key benefits to buying through a government contract like these:

1. Time Savings: No need to go out to bid yourself. These contracts are already competitively solicited and ready to use.

2. Cost Efficiency: Group purchasing power often means lower prices.

3. Legal Compliance: These contracts meet strict procurement guidelines, reducing the risk of audit issues or legal complications.

4. Transparency: Pricing, vendor selection, and contract terms are clearly laid out, promoting accountability.

5. Simplified Purchasing: Agencies can focus on finding the best solution for their needs without getting bogged down in red tape.

Who Can Use These Contracts?

Cooperative purchasing contracts are typically available to:

• State and local government agencies

• K–12 schools and school districts

• Higher education institutions

• Nonprofits

• Tribes and tribal governments

Each cooperative may have its own membership requirements, but joining is usually free and easy.

Final Thoughts

Buying through a government contract like Sourcewell, Multiplicity, or CES (Cooperative Educational Services) is about working smarter—not harder. It allows public agencies to access competitively-priced products and services quickly and efficiently, while staying fully compliant with procurement laws. Whether you’re managing a fleet, outfitting a classroom, or sourcing professional services, cooperative purchasing offers a streamlined path forward.