NJPA Earns UT System Accreditation

STAPLES, Minn., Aug. 01, 2017 --  All 14 institutions within the University of Texas System now have access to the 200-plus vendor contracts offered through National Joint Powers Alliance® (NJPA).

Jeremy Schwartz, NJPA Director of Procurement Dr. Chad Coauette, NJPA CEO/ Executive Director

NJPA received notification of its accreditation as a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) with the UT-System on July 25.

“The UT System is one of the nation’s largest higher education systems and its Office of Collaborative Business Services is tasked with supporting over 300,000 faculty, staff, and students across its campuses,” said Jeremy Schwartz, NJPA Director of Procurement. “We’re pleased to receive this formal accreditation, and to play a part in helping them maximize their resources with our 200-plus contract solutions.”

Adopted by the UT System Board of Regents in February 2016, the accreditation program is designed to ensure its institutions use contracts from GPOs who meet the following procurement standards:

• Established provider with a value-added portfolio of contracts;
• Open bid policy;
• Competitive procurement;
• “Best Value” evaluation and award criteria;
• Contract management program;
• Policy of inclusion (e.g., HUBs and minority and women owned business enterprises programs);
• Compliance with federal procurement requirements; and
• Transparent procurement practices

“We are pleased with this accreditation, as the UT System expects a great deal of those it chooses to do business with,” said Dr. Chad Coauette, NJPA CEO/Executive Director. “We look forward to working with our awarded vendors to provide outstanding service.”

NJPA has millions of goods and services already on contract so its members -- K-12, higher education, government, and nonprofit entities -- can save time and money when purchasing. UT System institutions can find everything from office supplies and school furniture to utility vehicles and pest management services with NJPA.

The accreditation is valid through August 31, 2021, at which time NJPA can reapply.

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About NJPA:

National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) is a government agency committed to providing cooperative solutions assisting governmental, educational, and nonprofit entities as they strive for efficient public service. Created in 1978 as one of Minnesota's nine service cooperatives, NJPA offers a variety of cooperative programs and services for members on a local, regional, statewide, and national scale, including Canada. On behalf of its publicly elected Board of Directors, and public employee staff, NJPA is committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of its members.

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Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4dd57d8b-b9e5-433e-9655-9f7e66d97ab5

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a968b58a-c0ed-4daf-8e29-62fbc85ffbc0

Chelsea Ornelas
National Joint Powers Alliance
218-895-4164
[email protected]