University Contracts
Western Michigan University departments have access to a number of competitive contracts, which are available through the University as well as through a variety of consortium memberships. These contracts have already gone through a competitive bid process and offer competitive rates, which means that utilizing University contracts and most consortium contracts precludes departments from having to go through the complete competitive bidding process.
University contracts
Letterheads, Envelopes and Business Cards: Marana Group
Purchases can be made online through Marana Group for stationery under $5,000.
Office Supplies: Staples
Purchases can be made online through Staples for office supplies and related items under $5,000 (please note that you first need to complete the Staples User Registration).
Consortium Contracts
Western Michigan University is a member of several purchasing consortia. Each consortium is made up of a different member base of independent organizations that join together for the purpose of combining individual requirements for the purchase of goods and services. Participating in consortia organizations allow the University to leverage the purchasing power of a group of organizations and obtain preferential contract pricing and terms.
All departments within the University have access to consortium contracts when the University is a member of the consortium. To purchase using a consortium contract, follow the standard purchasing process , including submitting a purchase requisition along with contract pricing and source of the contract. When utilizing a consortium contract, departments may likely be able to forgo the University’s competitive bid requirements due to the consortium already following a competitive bid process on behalf of the institution. There will be instances when it is still beneficial for the University to competitively bid products and/or services despite a consortium contract. The bid decision is at the discretion of the purchasing department.
Western Michigan University has access to the following consortium contracts. Contact the Purchasing Department with any questions on accessing and utilizing these contracts.
Educational & Institutional Cooperative (E&I)
E & I is a non-profit buying cooperative established by members of the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) to provide goods and services to its members at the best possible prices. The cooperative serves more than 2,000 colleges, universities, hospitals, K-12, and research institutions located in the United States. E & I provides access to a vast number of contracts covering a variety of product and service categories such as books and media, furniture, office equipment, delivery and freight, maintenance products, moving and travel services. For more information on E&I and to search available contracts, visit the E&I website or contact the University Purchasing Department for assistance.
GSA
GSA is a cooperative for state, local, and tribal governments. Contracts offered include IT, security, and law enforcement products and services. For more information on GSA and to search available contracts, visit the GSA website or contact the University Purchasing Department for assistance.
Hospital Purchasing Services (HPS)
HPS is a member-owned group purchasing organization with nearly 4,000 Members in 22 states. The organization has been in operation since 1949. HPS offers more than 120 regional contracts, as well as a national contract portfolio through ROi (Resource Optimization & Innovation). For more information on HPS and to search available contracts, visit the HPS website or contact the University Purchasing Department for assistance.
MiDeal
MiDEAL is an extended purchasing program which allows Michigan local units of government to use state contracts to buy goods and services. There are over 400 contracts available to MiDEAL members. For more information on MiDeal and to search available contracts, visit the state of Michigan website or contact the University Purchasing Department for assistance.
Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC)
MHEC is a regional cooperative serving Michigan as well as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The organization aims to enhance member states higher education opportunity through resource sharing. Contracts through MHEC include energy solutions, healthcare solutions, master property program and technology. For a complete list of commodities offered and a supplier list, visit the MHEC website.
National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance Company (National IPA)
National IPA is a purchasing cooperative formed through several public agencies throughout the United States with the purpose of reducing costs by forming group volume. Some of the contract categories offered by National IPA include fuel, water treatment, furniture, transportation, medical supplies and more. Visit the National IPA website or contact the University Purchasing Department for more information on available contracts.
Sourcewell
Sourcewell holds hundreds of competitively solicited cooperative contracts ready for use and competitively bid using the buying power of 50,000 government, education, and nonprofit organizations. For a list of available contracts, visit the Sourcewell website or contact the University Purchasing Department for assistance.
U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance
U.S Communities is a government purchasing cooperative of members in higher education, K-12, government agencies, and nonprofits. Contracts offered include office solutions, facilities solutions, technology, recreation and athletic solutions and more. Visit the U.S. Communities website for more information or contact the University Purchasing Department for assistance.