Partnering with the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC), the Collaborative Procurement Program (CPP) offers MSBA school districts deep discounts on furniture to outfit classrooms, cafeterias, and administrative spaces in new schools—saving districts money, time, and effort.
The CPP helps your school district purchase what you need at competitive prices without the time and cost of conducting an advertised bid process. From the MHEC contract, you will seek quotes and place orders with Massachusetts' most popular school furniture manufacturers. MHEC and MSBA are available should any discrepancies arise.
If you have any questions about the Collaborative Procurement Program (CPP), please visit the MHEC website.
How it Works
Based on the anticipated amount of MSBA schools' furniture needs, manufacturers provide deeper discounts for MSBA school districts.
- MSBA aggregates school projects' product quantities.
- MHEC's contracted suppliers provide deeper discounts to participating MSBA schools.
- MSBA school districts can receive what they need at additional savings—without the hassle of going out to bid.
How to Participate
- Choose your preferred furniture products from CPP participating manufacturers (check out the matrix for more)
- Request a CPP price quote from the manufacturer through the dealer of your choice
> Copy your request to MHEC and MSBA
> Be sure the quote has the date of your request - Receive pricing from the dealer—pricing should include:
> List price
> CPP Discount %
> CPP Net Price - Place order with the dealer of your choice
> Copy your purchase order to MHEC and MSBA
Benefits for Your District
- Purchase exactly what you need: When you decide what product(s) you need from the participating manufacturers, just request a quote, make your decision, and place your order
- No need to conduct a bid: Buying from the CPP or MHEC fully complies with Chapter 30B. There's no need to bid.
- Avoid a low-bid situation: No need to worry about receiving low bids for products that are not preferred—using the CPP ensures that your district receives the exact products needed.
Healthy Furniture
The CPP offers healthy furniture at a discounted cost to MSBA schools. Currently, many of the furniture manufacturers available through the CPP offer product lines that are third-party certified by the leading sustainability firms and are independently lab-tested for indoor air quality and user health.
The MSBA's Green Schools program policy incentivizes healthy products. In addition to an emphasis on increased energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality, the MSBA's Green Schools Program encourages sustainable site development, efficient transportation costs, reduced water consumption, sustainable use of materials, and a higher quality educational environment.
If you have any questions about the Collaborative Procurement Program (CPP), please visit the MHEC website here.
