Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs)
The University belongs to several group purchasing organizations that negotiate favorable contracts on behalf of their members. Utilizing participating vendors will usually result in cost savings. The cost savings can be significant so all purchasers should explore purchasing goods and services through these programs.
Please keep in mind the following:
- Prices obtained through these GPO programs are usually, but not always, the lowest available. These prices should be considered the “ceiling price” – the highest amount we should pay for a product or service. Selecting one of the participating vendors is not a substitute for exercising due diligence in researching pricing.
- Many GPO vendors provide free shipping/freight which could make an overall purchase cheaper even if the individual items are not discounted.
- In some cases, Clark has negotiated lower prices than are available through these groups. Please check the purchasing web site or consult the Director of Purchasing & Auxiliary Services.
- Don’t assume that vendors participating in these programs are automatically giving you the contracted price. In order to be sure you are getting the discounted rates, you should request the appropriate pricing (MHEC, E & I, OMNIA). In some cases, vendors have contracts with more than one GPO, in which case you should request all prices and choose the lowest one.
Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)
MHEC is a nonprofit purchasing consortium established in 1977 serving higher education, municipalities, K -12 schools. libraries and other nonprofits with an educational focus.
Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing (E & I)
Educational & Institutional Cooperative Service, Inc. is a member owned, non-profit sourcing cooperative exclusively focused on serving the education community.
