Omnia Partners

Cooperative contract enables public sector organizations to get the supplies they need

February 16, 2017

2 Min Read
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Amazon Business was awarded a multi-year U.S. Communities contract to provide products via an online marketplace to registered participants of the U.S. Communities program. Watch the webinar on-demand to learn more about the contract.

The lead public agency for the contract is Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia (PWCPS). The district conducted a competitive solicitation process and detailed evaluation that led to the contract award (Number R-TC-17006). The district is among the largest 100 school districts in the United States with more than 87,000 students. The contract term is for five years to January 18, 2022, with the option to renew for three additional two-year periods.

Nationwide, more than 90,000 public-sector organizations, including local and state agencies and non-profit and educational institutions, can now access 10 purchasing categories through the contract and Amazon Business Marketplace. The categories across Amazon’s selection include books, office supplies, classroom and art supplies, home and kitchen, musical instruments, audiovisual and electronics, clothing, animal supplies, and higher education scientific equipment and lab supplies.

US_Comm_MUST_logo_horiz.cmyk_.UPDATED_072015_0_0.jpgThe marketplace meets competitive sourcing provisions required in most states and local jurisdictions in the U.S. The marketplace offers an Amazon buying experience – selection, convenience, and value – through the contract. Marketplace customers will have tax-exempt purchasing capabilities at the online site. The site offers dynamic marketplace pricing, which helps ensure competitiveness and best value.

For public sector buyers, the U.S. Communities cooperative contract can help reduce the need for solicitations and contracting. The contract demonstrates Amazon Business’ long-term commitment to the government sector. Public procurement professionals can drive efficiencies and ensure compliance through these Amazon Business features:

–Multi-user accounts: Connect your team, create purchasing groups to match your organization’s structure and share payment methods.

–Approval workflows: Customize your order approvals, set spending limits and manage your organization’s buying on Amazon Business.

–Reporting and analytics: Track and monitor spending within your organization with dynamic charts and data tables.

The Amazon Business marketplace serves 400,000+ registered organizations, offering access to hundreds of millions of products, including Business Pricing or quantity discounts on more than 5 million items.

Members can create a free Amazon Business account that includes the ability to register for tax-exempt purchasing, free two-day and discounted one-day shipping on eligible items, purchase approvals and purchase-order tracking. Amazon Business supports easy punch-out and reconciliation integration with third-party eProcurement systems including SciQuest, Skyward, ESM, Coupa and others.

Government and education organizations can learn more about this new Amazon Business contract to register for a free Amazon Business or U.S. Communities account and enroll to use the contract.

To learn more about the new contract,watch this complimentary 30-minute webinar on-demand.

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