What makes U.S. Communities Different?

Public Benefit & Purpose Founders - Founded, owned and governed by Association of School Business Officials International, National Association of Counties, National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors (“Associations”) for the benefit of Public Agencies Organization -Non profit partnership of associations dedicated to establishing options, solutions and opportunities for public agencies to save time and money Principles -Stringent Supplier commitments and standards to ensure public agencies interests are served

Professional Oversight Procurement - Advisory Board of well-respected Public Procurement Professionals to ensure responsible and ethical best practices Administration -Dedicated team of field and administrative professionals to ensure Supplier performance and public agency benefit Accountability and Transparency Solicitations- Awards by well recognized Lead Public Agencies to ensure open and competitive solicitation process Integrity-Supplier audits and verification to ensure pricing integrity and public agency benefit

Lead Public Agency Model All contracts are competitively solicitied by a lead public agency Contract owned & maintained by lead public agency Quarterly reviews with suppliers to analyze contract performance Pricing of contract is uniform for all public agencies

National Evaluation Teams Solicitations evaluated by lead public agency and committee of public purchasing officials from around the country Team evaluates responses to ensure awarded vendor is capable of handling the contract nationally Make-up of Evaluation Team covers broad scope of interest, i.e. cities, counties, school districts, universities, housing authorities, etc.

Webinars Free educational webinars to help your organization get the most out of cooperative purchasing Overview of U.S. Communities Program New supplier offerings & contract updates Market specific webinars to focus on contracts that benefit that sector

Local NIGP Chapter Meetings Provide educational sessions on the benefits of cooperative purchasing Overview of U.S. Communities contracts Supplier specific presentations when requested

Sustainability One stop source for public agency access to buy and live green Offers broad line of green products, services and resources

Product Management Product and service ideas generated from the Advisory Board and other Public Agencies Face to Face meetings with Senior level executives to discuss overall opportunity and contract potential Face to Face Meetings to discuss U.S. Communities commitments including best price commitment

Proven Value Best supplier overall government pricing No user fees Soft cost savings No minimum spending requirements Non-exclusive

Marketing Website ease of use Supplier websites – Cohesive, easy to find contract information Collateral that outlines program information Program & Supplier consistent communication

Transparency Audits Benchmarking analysis Accountability All contract documents available on public website Consistent with most cooperative purchasing laws and policy

E-Commerce Marketplace Free online system Single login to access many different vendor catalogs, increasing purchasing efficiency Ability to place purchases with pcard or PO Quick visibility into products and pricing Standardization for decentralized purchasing Provides comprehensive reporting on past purchases

E-Commerce Marketplace Access the Marketplace by clicking the “Shop Now” button on the US Communities website ( Send questions and requests for webinar trainings for your agency to

Ecommerce Marketplace

New Contracts Office Supplies: Awarded to Independent Stationers Food Services: Awarded to Premier/U.S. Foodservice Automotive Parts and Accessories: CARQUEST Public Safety/Emergency Preparedness: Safeware/Mallory MRO and Industrial Supplies: HD Supply Facilities Maint., The Home Depot, & Applied Industrial Technologies Coming Soon: Carpet & Flooring