Competitive Bid Process
NASPO ValuePoint cooperative contracts are awarded to suppliers as a result of the competitive bid process.
How to Become a Supplier
How NASPO ValuePoint Contracts Work
Proposal Response
To become a NASPO ValuePoint supplier, a supplier must submit a proposal response to an open competitive solicitation for a NASPO ValuePoint portfolio. The Lead State must first solicit proposals for the products or services your company offers. The Lead State works with a Multistate Sourcing Team® that collaborates to develop and issue the RFP. The sourcing team would then evaluate your proposal, and all others received, and determine the best offers for contract awards.
Solicitation Opportunities
NASPO ValuePoint posts information about upcoming, open, and in-progress solicitations being conducted by a Lead State. Suppliers are encouraged to periodically monitor the NASPO ValuePoint website for these solicitation opportunities.
Why Become a NASPO ValuePoint Contractor
Reduced Administrative Burden
Our suppliers benefit considerably by avoiding repetitive bid preparation expenses and eliminating the need to submit multiple proposal responses for similar solicitations across different states and jurisdictions.
Bigger Sales Volumes
Supplies can anticipate and factor in greater volumes due to multi-state and entity usage when determining their pricing. These savings are then passed along to the states.
How Does NASPO ValuePoint Award Contracts?
NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreements are awarded by the Lead State as a result of the competitive procurement process (typically an RFP). The Lead State, along with aMultistate Sourcing Team®, works in collaboration in the development of the RFP and the evaluation of the proposals.
To become a NASPO ValuePoint supplier, a supplier must submit a proposal response to an open competitive solicitation for a NASPO ValuePoint portfolio. The Lead State must first solicit proposals for the products or services your company offers. The Lead State works with a Multistate Sourcing Team® that collaborates to develop and issue the RFP. The sourcing team would then evaluate your proposal, and all others received, and determine the best offers for contract awards.
NASPO ValuePoint posts a notice of all open solicitations being conducted by a Lead State. Suppliers are encouraged to periodically monitor the NASPO ValuePoint website for upcoming opportunities. Typically, participating states also advertise a NASPO ValuePoint solicitation through their own solicitation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my company get on or be added to a NASPO ValuePoint Contract?
Contracts, referred to as Master Agreements, are awarded to suppliers through the competitive bid process. All eligible suppliers should submit proposals to open bids for consideration of a contract award. Once the competitive bid process has closed, the opportunity for additional suppliers is typically closed for the term of that portfolio and Master Agreements.
Solicitations are released by the Lead State and advertised via the Lead State’s eProcurement system or website. NASPO ValuePoint also advertises the solicitation on our website and encourages all NASPO states to advertise the solicitation.
Portfolios typically have a contract term of around five (5) years, although some portfolios may be shorter or longer in term. Near the end of that term, the portfolio is typically re-solicited.
What if there isn’t an open solicitation?
On NASPO ValuePoint portfolios where applicable, suppliers may be able to partner with existing contract holders to serve as a fulfillment or distribution partner. Please review the portfolio solicitation and resulting Master Agreements to see if this option is available.
Where a portfolio and the resulting Master Agreements are reseller-held, there could be an opportunity for your company to partner with the supplier holding the contract to offer your products through them as third-party products. Please review the portfolio solicitation and resulting Master Agreements to see if this option is available.
Additionally, many NASPO ValuePoint portfolio Master Agreements are awarded to manufacturers or major resellers who distribute products and services through their authorized dealer networks. Opportunities are available for existing and prospective authorized dealers.
What Marketing Opportunities are available to Suppliers?
Each awarded NASPO ValuePoint supplier may market themselves and their NASPO ValuePoint contract to states and other end users which, depending on the state, may include local government agencies, K-12 school districts, public colleges and universities, and nonprofits. Suppliers are encouraged to reference and market their NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreements.
NASPO ValuePoint also participates in several trade shows throughout the year. Contractors are encouraged to participate in those and other relevant trade shows and advertise themselves as being a NASPO ValuePoint Supplier Partner.
Existing NASPO ValuePoint suppliers and new suppliers interested in future business with NASPO ValuePoint are encouraged to attend the annual NASPO Exchange. This is typically held in the spring each year.
What Other Learning Opportunities are available to Suppliers?
NASPO ValuePoint hosts several Supplier Workshops throughout the year. These workshops are for suppliers only; no buyers or customers attend this event. The workshop is designed to support and elevate supplier understanding of cooperative procurement and how to leverage your ValuePoint contract.