Welcome to The Natural State
Purchasing Cooperative!
What is AEPA?
The Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA) is a multi-state non-profit organization made up of Educational Service Agencies/political subdivisions organized through a Memorandum of Understanding between all participating states.
We are a true “cooperative” that serves to leverage purchasing power to benefit all schools and agencies, regardless of size, with the ability to purchase at equal buying levels.
History
AEPA started in 2000 with 10 member states with purchasing professionals who
had the mutual goal of securing combined volume purchasing contracts based on
potential sales by qualifying customers in participating states using:
- Combined expertise
- Existing vendor relationships
- Experience & overall vision
AEPA conducts bi-annual meetings where bid responses are reviewed and
evaluated by all AEPA member agencies. Once bids are approved for award by
AEPA, each AEPA member state selects contracts they feel will best help their
respective states. Contracts are typically awarded for one base year, with options
to renew for three additional years.
In addition to reviewing and awarding contracts, these bi-annual meetings serve to:
- Redefine organizational bylaws, policy & procedures
- Consider new state members
- Select product categories to solicit
- Select task groups and committee members
How do we work?
Benefits
- Formal Contracting Process Satisfied- Avoids Duplication
- Nationally Leveraged Volume Pricing
- Eliminates low-bid, low-quality issues
- Choice of high-quality equipment, products, and services
- Contracts competitively solicited on your behalf
- Lifecycle cost efficiencies
- Reduced Vendor Protests
- No-cost, liability or obligation membership
- Save time and money
SAVE INSTANTLY WITH
Membership
The AEPA discounts can be accessed for FREE if you are an Arkansas K12
school district, private school, technical college, university, community non-
profit, education entity, or municipality.
As a member, you will have access to combined purchasing power, with
substantial volume discounts on technology, sports surfaces, office supplies,
and more. AEPA makes it easy for you to take advantage of discounts and
deals already negotiated. Arkansas Code § 19-11-249 allows public
procurement units to participate in cooperative purchasing agreements to
acquire commodities and services.
All public school districts in Arkansas are members.
If you are a municipality or non-profit 501(c) you can become a
member of AEPA - Click Here to Register
FAQs
- How do I become a member?
All public school districts in Arkansas are members.
If you are a municipality or non-profit 501(c) you can become a
member of AEPA - Click Here to Register
2. How much does it cost to be a member?
Membership is FREE. There are no strings, no obligations, and no
cost.
3. Why do we not have to bid when buying from AEPA vendors?
The Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies has done the
bidding for you following strict bidding standards. Therefore, every
Arkansas public school district, municipality, or non-profit 501(c) can
participate and start saving time and money today.
4. How do I get pricing?
Pricing is presented in various formats. You can find pricing on the
Contracts and Bids page, contact the vendor directly, or request a
quote if your project requires it.
If you need further information, please contact us at
aepa@swaec.org or 870.777.3076.
5. How do I submit an order?
Contact the vendor representative to set up an AEPA account.
Send your orders directly to the vendor. Include The Natural State
AEPA on your purchase order. You may include the contract
number (it can be found on our website here).
Remember, you have to have a public Arkansas educational
designation, be an Arkansas municipality, or a non-profit with a
501(c)status to use The Natural State AEPA Contracts. The Natural
State AEPA must have a copy of all 501(c) documentation. Send
501(c) documentation to aepa@swaec.org.
6. How do I express an opinion about a vendor?
Call or email our Director, Phoebe Bailey at aepa@swaec.org or
870-777-3076 ext. 200.
7. How do I update our agency’s contact information?
Email aepa@swaec.org with the new/updated information.
Contact Us:
aepa@swaec.org