Overview

COG initiated its Cooperative Purchasing Program in 1971 with the basic objective of reducing costs through economies of scale created through volume buying. By taking advantage of the combined purchasing power of participating jurisdictions (estimated at more than $2 million annually), volume buying works to the advantage of the jurisdictions and their taxpayers.

Through the Chief Purchasing Officers Committee, participating agencies, school boards, authorities, and commissions combine bidding requirements for more than 20 different purchases, resulting in larger volume and better unit pricing.

COG estimates that participants in the Program save in excess of $2 million annually. They save additional dollars on administrative expenses by substantially reducing the paperwork associated with competitive procurement. For example, in a cooperative gasoline purchase for 28 participating jurisdictions, only one invitation for bids (IFB) was issued. Cooperative Purchasing is voluntary and purchasing departments determine independently whether to participate in a cooperative purchase.

In addition, the Program promotes exchanging management and technical information among area purchasing officials, and encourages continuing education for procurement professional throughout the region.

For more information about the Cooperative Purchasing Program, call Tom Savoie at (202) 962-3222..

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