Educational Cooperatives in Action: Spotlight on Successful Business Partnerships

Forming successful business partnerships with suppliers can produce big benefits for universities.. When you work together with suppliers, you can develop innovative solutions and drive efficiency. By aligning goals, this collaboration generally produces better solutions and value compared to a strictly transactional relationship.

Cooperative Contracts in Action

What is an example of a cooperative relationship in business? While we won’t name the contract providers, it’s useful to take a look at the assortment of some of the contract types available through E&I Cooperative Services, the only nonprofit, member-owned educational cooperative. These competitively solicited contracts enable schools, colleges, and universities to develop strong supplier relationships, save money, and streamline procurement.

Athletics

• Data-driven strategies and revenue generation for collegiate athletics
• Fitness equipment from top-name brands and fitness education programs

Facilities and MRO

• HVAC equipment, contracting, service agreements, and repairs
• Rental equipment for general and specialty applications
• Buy or lease temporary or permanent modular buildings

Financial Services

• Electronic payment management and corporate cards
• Secure payment processing systems, including online and credit card payments
• Business Identity Platform enabling institutions to automate collection and verification to avoid fraud

Food and Food Services

• Vending, self-checkout markets, café services, and more
• The world’s largest food service company, including campus dining programs
• Heavy-duty kitchen and restaurant equipment

Information Technology

• IT hardware, software, and support services
• Enterprise solutions include ERP platforms, cloud services, AI, and analytics
• Managed cybersecurity, detection, and response and digital forensics

Logistics and Travel

• On-campus fleet vehicle management services
• Integrated management of travel and expenses, invoices, and reporting
• Relocation and moving, including Mayflower, United Van Lines, and UniGroup Logistics

Office and Classrooms

• Flexible learning spaces and classroom furniture
• Smart locker and package solutions for mailing and shipping
• Design and manufacture of innovative office and classroom furnishings

Professional, Consulting, and Administrative Services

• All-in-one event management platform for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
• AV systems design, LED scoreboards, control rooms, and digital signage
• Online auction solution that enables educational institutions to maximize ROI for assets

Research and Scientific

• Life science automation and automated liquid handling products
• Laboratory equipment, cold storage, lab furniture, and animal research equipment
• Optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical and research

These are just a few of the more than 200 cooperative contracts available through E&I Cooperative Services. Members have access to a broad range of pre-negotiated, competitively solicited agreements. Our members, located nationwide, have worked together to provide an RFP process that helps deliver on higher education institution requirements for diversity and compliance. Beyond the cost savings, you won’t have to conduct the RFP process: E and I does it for you. One note: while most contracts are available nationwide, not all are available in all areas. In some cases, companies may also subcontract fulfillment. This can allow you to incorporate local or regional suppliers into your procurement process.

Fueling Cooperative Relationships and Saving Money

So, what is an example of a cooperative relationship in business?

E&I Cooperative Services.

When you become a member of E&I Cooperative Services, you get access to a diverse set of top-tier suppliers that cater to the education sector. Leveraging the combined purchasing power of 6,000+ member institutions, E&I cooperative contracts produce volume discounts that are generally higher than what you can achieve on your own. E&I helps you develop strong relationships with suppliers, with contracts tailored to meet the unique needs of academic institutions.

This will also save you time. Rather than spending weeks or months sourcing suppliers, crafting RFPs, and negotiating contracts, you can opt into ready-to-use contracts that meet your procurement requirements. In many cases, you can create relationships with education suppliers that otherwise might not respond to individual RFPs.

In short, an educational cooperative can help you achieve:

• Better pricing, terms, and conditions
• Reduced transaction costs
• Access to a broader range of suppliers
• Accelerated procurement process
• Cooperative relationships

There is no cost for educational institutions to become a member of E&I Cooperative Services and no minimum purchase requirements. You also benefit from the collective knowledge of procurement professionals from other institutions, finding unique and creative solutions to challenges.

E&I Cooperative Services is the only member-owned, non-profit sourcing cooperative exclusively focused on serving the education community. Because it’s our sole focus, we are uniquely equipped with the knowledge, experience, and passion to meet the specialized needs of educational procurement.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member or view available contracts.