2026 GPO Accreditation Program

The University of Texas System has issued solicitation 720-2605 for the 2026 GPO Accreditation Program, which establishes a formal process to accredit group purchasing organizations, including Texas State Agencies performing GPO functions, as approved suppliers for its institutions. Participation in this accreditation program is mandatory for any GPO seeking to provide services to UT System or its institutions; failure to obtain or maintain accreditation will result in exclusion from use. To qualify, applicants must first receive a nomination from one or more chief procurement officers of UT System institutions, backed by evidence demonstrating compliance with the required “value component test.” Only nominated entities may submit a formal application, which must include the GPO Accreditation Program Survey and the Applicant Consent Form, along with supporting policy and procedure documents. All materials must be submitted via email to mbalhoff@utsystem.edu by 3:00 p.m. Austin time on August 3, 2026, with hard copies explicitly rejected. Survey responses are limited to three pages per question, and evaluations are based solely on the information provided in the submitted materials. Accreditation requires adherence to strict standards, including an established value-added portfolio of contracts, an open bid policy, competitive procurement practices, best value evaluation and award criteria, a robust contract management program, compliance with federal procurement requirements, and transparent sourcing processes. Applicants must certify the accuracy, completeness, and current status of all responses and provide their Federal Employer Identification Number. They must also confirm compliance with federal exclusion lists such as SAMs and demonstrate the existence of supplier suspension/disbarment procedures, ethics policies for employees and suppliers, and conflict of interest disclosures for personnel involved in contract awards. By signing the Consent Form, applicants agree to audits of their records and processes, periodic reviews by UT System, and mandatory notification within 30 days of any material change to their submitted information. Successful applicants receive accreditation valid through August 31, 2036, with newly accredited entities subject to a formal review in their first year and previously accredited entities reviewed biennially. Final accreditation decisions are made by the UT System Executive Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs each October, following assessment results from the UT System Audit Office, which are typically delivered by mid-September. Failure to meet or maintain accreditation standards may result in revocation if the deficiency is not cured within 30 days of written notice.