Posted June 17, 2003

Using the federal government’s buying power, state and local governments can now save money when they buy information technology (IT) software, firmware, supplies, support equipment, and services! GSA is making this possible through “cooperative purchasing.”

The specific contracts available to state and local governments are GSA’s Federal Supply Service Schedule 70 and Corporate Schedule contracts that contain IT special item numbers (SINs). GSA is developing a training course to help state and local governments learn how to effectively use GSA Schedules.

Participation in cooperative purchasing is voluntary for state and local governments, and contractors. GSA contractors must modify their existing contracts to participate. After the contracts have been modified, contractors still have the option of accepting orders on a case-by-case basis.

As a result of the e-Government Act of 2002, state and local governments are encouraged to place orders for IT using these contracts. Questions about cooperative purchasing may be directed to the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-488-3111.