NCPA (National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance)

What is NCPA (National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance)?

The National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA) is a leading national government purchasing cooperative working to reduce the cost of goods and services by leveraging the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide. For government contractors, NCPA provides an established contract vehicle to reach a diverse range of government entities.

Definition

NCPA is a cooperative purchasing organization (CPO) that competitively solicits and awards contracts on behalf of its members, which include governmental, educational, and non-profit entities. These contracts are pre-competed, meaning that agencies utilizing them do not typically need to conduct their own full and open competition. NCPA contracts are awarded to vendors who offer high-quality products and services at competitive prices. NCPA operates under the legal authority granted by state procurement laws that allow cooperative purchasing. It matters to government contractors because it allows them to access a large, diverse customer base with a single contract, reducing the need for multiple bids and proposals.

Key Points

• Membership Driven: NCPA focuses on the needs of its members, seeking out products and services that meet their diverse requirements.
• Nationwide Reach: NCPA's contracts are available for use by eligible entities across the United States.
• Pre-Competed Contracts: Contracts are competitively solicited and awarded, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
• Streamlined Procurement: Participating entities can leverage NCPA contracts to streamline their procurement processes, saving time and resources.

Practical Examples

1. IT Equipment for Schools: A government contractor specializing in IT equipment wins an NCPA contract. School districts across the country can then purchase their equipment directly from the contractor through the NCPA contract, without needing to issue their own individual solicitations.
2. Facilities Maintenance Services: A contractor offering facilities maintenance services wins an NCPA contract. Municipalities can then utilize this contract to obtain services such as landscaping, janitorial services, and building repairs without going through a lengthy bidding process.
3. Office Supplies for State Agencies: A vendor of office supplies is awarded an NCPA contract. State agencies across the country can then purchase office supplies from this vendor, benefiting from pre-negotiated pricing and streamlined ordering procedures.