5 Ways Cooperative Procurement Saves Time and Money for Higher Ed Institutions

Fitch Ratings is a national credit rating agency that provides independent evaluations of an organization’s credit risk and ongoing viability. Each year, it evaluates the financial stability of businesses and higher education institutions, which means that understanding what Fitch Ratings says about the education sector gives you a good idea of the financial state of […]

5 Key Features of Effective Cooperative Procurement Contracts

With continuing pressure to manage spending more effectively, it’s no surprise that Deloitte’s survey of procurement professionals showed a movement from focusing efforts on transactions to a more strategic approach to managing costs. Private companies are transforming the way they approach procurement to remain competitive and are increasingly turning to cooperative procurement programs. Are you […]

How to Overcome 2025 Procurement Challenges

Procurement and finance teams in higher education are entering 2025 with a unique set of challenges. From fluctuating prices to the growing role of automation and AI, the landscape is increasingly complex. Coupled with shrinking budgets and uncertainty about the future of higher education, these hurdles require innovative strategies. In this article, we explore some […]

The Education Procurement Playbook: Agreements, Processes, and the Roadmap to Efficiency

In education, we’re at a critical crossroads. You can no longer depend on year-over-year procurement budget increases, stable prices, or continuous funding streams. The increasing pressure to reduce costs, without sacrificing quality, is enormous. Yet, within this environment, there is opportunity. McKinsey analysts say that for procurement leaders, this is a “career-defining moment.” By shifting […]

Top FAQs About Higher Education National Procurement

By partnering with a national procurement organization for higher education purchasing, you get access to pre-negotiated contracts and volume pricing discounts, which streamlines procurement and saves you time and money. What is national procurement, and how does it work? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). What Is National Procurement in Higher […]

5 Lessons in Procurement Strategy from Successful Education Cooperatives

Purchasing cooperatives in education work with a wide variety of suppliers across industries relevant to school districts, colleges, and universities. Because of their scope, they can achieve significant discounts for the procurement of goods and services and help you streamline your procurement processes. This focus on a national procurement strategy to benefit members of the […]

Avoid Procurement Pitfalls: The Role of GPOs in National Education Strategies

Navigating the complexities of procurement can be challenging, particularly in education, where stakes are high and budgets are tight. Group purchasing organizations (GPOs) offer a powerful solution to streamline your national procurement system and significantly reduce costs. However, procurement teams make some common mistakes that can limit your effectiveness. What Is a Group Purchasing Organization […]

A Complete Guide to Cooperative Purchasing Organizations for Higher Education

If you work in higher education procurement, you know the challenges all too well: greater budget constraints, fewer resources, rising prices, and intense pressure to be cost-effective. To manage this increasing workload and budget challenges, more colleges and universities are turning to national purchasing cooperatives to streamline procurement and save money. What Is a National […]

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Choosing a National Purchasing Cooperative for Education

Selecting the right national purchasing cooperative is crucial for educational institutions looking to streamline procurement and save money. However, the process isn’t always straightforward, and common mistakes can lead to inefficiencies and compliance issues. We’ll explain some of the key mistakes academic institutions make. But first, let’s tackle the question: what are group purchasing organizations […]

Leveraging Benefits of Cooperative Agreements and Grants for Higher Ed: Optimizing Your Leverage

The Department of Education provides a variety of grants for schools, which go beyond financial assistance for students. These grants cover basic needs, centers of excellence, innovative programs, IT modernization, and more. There are also millions of dollars in grants available from private and nonprofit organizations to improve learning. While grants typically have stipulations for […]