Seven Great Reasons Why You Shouldn't Go Out to Bid
It’s no secret that RFPs are time consuming. In fact, according to a 2023 RFP Trends & Benchmarks Report, writing an RFP response takes an average of 32 hours to complete – and writing it is only half the battle. Even those who benefit from their purchasing department's hard work know the laborious hours that go into vetting vendors and getting a piece of technology into their school or office. But if you're a school, government agency, or non-profit, here's some great news: you can buy technology from a national contract with pre-negotiated pricing! One such national contract is Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing contract for education, government, and non-profits, that streamlines procurement, saving both time and money – and who doesn’t need more of those?
Now that I have your attention, you may be wondering, “What are the benefits, and how can I be sure I’m getting the best deal?” Let’s review the top seven reasons to buy from the Sourcewell contract and avoid drawing up that RFP.
Cost Savings
Sourcewell leverages the purchasing power of thousands of members to negotiate lower prices than individual entities could achieve on their own. Also, it removes the need to conduct your own bidding, saving administrative and legal costs.
Time Efficiency
As hinted above, the RFP process is time-consuming. Eliminating bids and being able to choose from pre-vetted vendors reduces the need for vendor research and evaluation, giving you the tools you need to make the most educated decision that you can for your organization.
Compliance and Legal Assurance
Sourcewell contracts are designed to comply with state procurement laws and regulations, giving you peace of mind and reducing the risk of legal complications.
Quality Assurance
Vendors on the Sourcewell contract are held to high performance and quality standards, ensuring they meet contractual obligations and maintain quality over time
Access to a Wide Range of Products and Services
Sourcewell members have access to a broad spectrum of the latest technology from copiers and printers and professional displays to playground equipment and tactical gear.
Simplified Administration
Managing a single contract through Sourcewell streamlines billing and reduces administrative overhead.
Member Support and Resources
Sourcewell provides educational support to its members including procurement assistance, training and customer service. Members can benefit from shared knowledge and best practices within the cooperative purchasing community.
By now, there’s a good chance that your convinced of the significant benefits of using Sourcewell's cooperative purchasing contract. By leveraging pre-negotiated pricing and vetted vendors, you’ll streamline the procurement process, eliminating the need for time-consuming RFPs and ensuring you get the best deals on the latest technology.
For more information about Sourcewell and to see if you’re eligible, visit https://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/register. Learn more about Sharp products available through the Sourcewell contract by browsing our copiers, AQUOS BOARD collaboration displays, and monitors. Our Sharp branches and extensive dealer network can help you get the technology you need at the right price under the Sourcewell contract, so contact us if you need help!