Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

02/25/2020

BACKGROUND

The purpose of cooperative purchasing groups is to obtain the benefits and efficiencies that can accrue to members, comply with State bidding requirements, and identify qualified vendors of commodities, goods, and services. The City of Schertz currently participates in several purchasing cooperatives, such as BuyBoard, HGAC, Bexar County and Region 14 Education Service Center. Authority for such participation is granted under Texas Government Code§§ 791.001 et seq as amended. Cooperative Purchasing Services under this interlocal agreement (ILA) are extended to all Texas State, City or County Government Agencies, or any other Local Government Entity as defined in the Texas Government Code§ 791.003. In accordance with the Interlocal Cooperation Act, all ILAs must be approved by an entity’s governing body.

Additionally, Subchapter F, Chapter 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code, “Cooperative Purchasing Program Participation,” provides that a local government may participate in a cooperative purchasing program with other local governments or a local cooperative organization established to provide local governments access to contracts with vendors for the purchase of materials, supplies, services or equipment. Simply, purchasing cooperatives allow for substantial savings to be realized by volume purchasing of specific commodity items.

The City of Schertz desires to enter into an agreement with Region 20 Education Service Center to participate in the PACE Purchasing Cooperative. The agreement will allow the City to utilize contracts with a large network of participating vendors. The City has reviewed the benefits of participating in this cooperative and has concluded that these programs will provide the best value to the City through volume discounts.

GOAL

Increase the City's purchasing power and savings opportunities by gaining access to another Group Purchasing Cooperative

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Purchasing cooperatives assist local governments in reducing costs through volume purchasing. Additionally, City resources are conserved and purchasing efficiencies are maximized through use of a streamlined procurement process.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends Council approval of Resolution 20-R-22 authorizing an interlocal agreement with Region 20 Education Service Center for Cooperative Purchasing Services.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no cost to the City participate in the PACE Purchasing Cooperative operated by Region 20 Education Service Center.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Council approval of Resolution 20-R-22 authorizing an interlocal agreement with Region 20 Education Service Center for Cooperative Purchasing Services.

Attachments
RESOLUTION 20-R-22
ILA FOR PACE