Bid preparations and evaluations are taking longer. Vendor vetting requires more investment. Costs keep rising while timelines shrink. The result? A long, winding RFP process that slows projects down.
What is you could access HVAC equipment and services faster, at a better price, and without the hassle of traditional bidding? That’s the promise of cooperative purchasing. By leveraging the purchasing power of multiple organizations, public entities can move projects forward quickly while staying fully compliant with state and local laws.
With partners like OMNIA Partners, Sourcewell, and TIPS, you gain access to pre-vetted, code-compliant contracts that satisfy public bidding requirements without the stress of a lengthy RFP.
In this article, we’ll explore how cooperative purchasing transforms procurement, its applications across industries, and how you can start using this method to streamline your projects.
What is Cooperative Purchasing?
Cooperative purchasing is a procurement method that connects you to competitive pricing, proven terms, and trusted suppliers through pre-established contracts.
What once took months is now streamlined, letting you focus on what matters most: achieving high-quality, long-lasting results for your building. This means:
- Faster timelines – contracts are ready to use
- Greater savings – bulk pricing through pooled demand
- Lower risk – clear compliance with procurement statuses
Goods & Services Purchased Through Cooperative Purchasing
On average, public entities use cooperative purchasing contracts for about 20% of their spending. Across the United States, statutes govern cooperative purchasing to ensure contracts comply with bidding requirements and protect agencies from legal challenges.
Cooperative purchasing is backed by state statutes that protect agencies and ensure contracts are valid. Each state has its own legal framework that enables this process to occur effectively. For example:
- In Illinois, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act and Governmental Joint Purchasing Act establish how agencies can legally collaborate.
- In Indiana, Chapter 4 in Title 5, Article 22 outlines who is authorized to make purchases and how agreements must be structured.
Smart procurement begins with knowing the process inside and out. At Thermosystems, we partner with organizations such as OMNIA Partners, Sourcewell, and TIPS to ensure that our customers have direct access to the right resources and support. These partnerships allow us to make purchasing more transparent and customized.
What You Gain From Cooperative Purchasing
Every procurement decision matters. Cooperative purchasing helps you make smarter decisions with benefits that last beyond installation.
Immediate Advantages
Savings
Operational Focus
Legal Compliance
and Innovations
Flexibility
Responsibility
Long Term Value
-
Lifecycle savings
Reduced service costs and extended equipment life.
-
Lasting Partnerships
Vendors invested in your long-term success.
-
Supportive Equipment Selections
Access to efficient equipment that reduces operating costs.
-
Transparency and Control
Clear contracts keep you confident in every decision.
Who Benefits?
K-12 and Higher Education
When deadlines are tight and budgets are fixed, schools need fast, reliable solutions. Cooperative purchasing helps districts:
- Stretch limited budgets without compromising quality
- Access competitive contracts that already meet procurement requirements
- Scale solutions across multiple buildings
Government
Rising costs and regulatory pressure challenge government facilities. Cooperative purchasing:
- Standardizes purchasing across departments, reducing duplication and improving coordination
- Unlocks pricing smaller municipalities could not achieve alone
- Delivers solutions that fit a range of building types
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities must balance compliance, patient care, and cost. Cooperative purchasing:
- Provides contracts with special pricing and full documentation
- Simplifies complex procurement so staff can focus on care
- Builds lasting partnerships that prioritize the operational health of your spaces
How to Get Started with Cooperative Purchasing
- Identify Your Needs: Define what you’re buying and your procurement goals.
- Choose a Cooperative: Look for national leaders like OMNIA Partners, Sourcewell, or TIPS.
- Review Available Contracts: Browse the cooperative’s catalog to find contracts that match your needs. Confirm they meet your compliance standards.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure your organization qualifies to use cooperative contracts. Most public sector entities, including school districts, government agencies, and healthcare facilities, qualify.
- Register or Join: Membership is often free and opens access to contract details and pricing.
Explore these registration sites:
Already enrolled? Don’t wait! Leverage your membership to shorten timelines and simplify procurement.
Unlock Smarter Procurement That You Can Trust
Cooperative purchasing offers more than convenience. It’s a pathway to compliant, cost-effective procurement that supports mission-critical operations. With ease-of-business as the goal, you gain partners who simplify the process and help you move faster. That allows you to unlock better pricing, reduce risk, and work with vendors you can trust.
At Thermosystems, we partner with distinguished cooperatives to ensure that we operate with integrity and as a trusted advisor. We believe better buildings begin with better partnerships, and we are here to make procurement smoother, faster, and more confident for you.
Ready to simplify procurement? Reach out today to access a streamlined, compliant process supported by a team that understands your needs.
