The Texas Association of School Boards has created a
Local Government Purchasing Cooperative to increase the purchasing
power of government entities and to simplify their purchasing by using
a customized electronic purchasing system, called the BuyBoard. The
Cooperative is an administrative agency created in accordance with
Section 791.001 of the Texas Government Code. Its purpose is to obtain
the benefits and efficiencies that can accrue to members of a
cooperative, to comply with state bidding requirements, and to identify
qualified vendors of commodities, goods, and services. The Cooperative
also relieves the burdens of governmental purchasing by effectively
using current technology and realizing economies of scale.
Who is eligible?
Membership is free and open to all local governments, nonprofits, and other political subdivisions of the state of Texas.
What is the cost?
The Co-op charges a flat amount per purchase order, regardless
of the number of vehicles on the purchase order, as a service fee for
the purchase of vehicles. This service fee is payable by the member
entity, but is collected by the vehicle dealer as part of the overall
vehicle price. The flat amount per purchase order is as follows:
vehicles and trucks - $400, ambulances and school buses - $800, fire
apparatus - $1,500.
What products are included?
Ambulances, wildland units, tankers, aerials, rescue trucks and pumpers.