Last update: 02/27/2012

Washington State Purchasing Cooperative (Co-op)

What is the Co-op?

The Washington State Purchasing Cooperative (Co-op) is a program through which non-state agency organizations can access State goods & services contracts. Co-op members save millions annually by “pooling” their purchases through state contracts. As a volume purchaser, the state collectively negotiates better rates for goods and services saving buyers valuable budget dollars.

 

Who can join the Co-op?

  • Washington state cities, counties & municipalities (“political subdivisions”)
  • Non-profit organization with 501(C)3 tax status that are receiving local, state or federal government either directly or through a political subdivision

 

How do I join?

  • If your organization is a part of a state agency or higher education institution, you are already a member.

  • If your organization is not part of a state agency, first check the political subdivision cooperative current member list.  If you are not on this list:

    • Send an email request for the current Co-op membership agreement to: coop@ga.wa.gov. In the request include the name of your organization. Two copies of the agreement will be sent to you which will need to be completed, signed, and returned to the Department of Enterprise Services for processing. One fully signed copy will be returned to you for your records.
    • File a copy of the agreement with your county auditor (non-profit and political subdivisions)

 

How much does it cost?

Membership fees are based on a organization’s reported annual budget expenditures

  • If you are a political sub-division, your fee will be based on reported information by the State Auditor’s Office (SAO)
  • If you are a school district, your fee will be based on reported information by the Office of the Superintendant of Public Instruction (OSPI).
  • If your organization is a non-profit or does not have a reported total on the linked reports above, you will be asked to provide a copy of your most recent audited financial statement
  • See Cooperative services and fees for the complete list of the Co-op membership fee structure

 

What can I buy?

You can purchase a wide variety of goods and services. Contracts are searchable. The following are a few examples of the most-used contracts:

  • Vehicles (heavy duty and passenger)
  • Copiers
  • Office equipment and supplies
  • Purchasing card
  • Infant formula
  • Radio equipment
  • Fuel
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Furniture
  • Food
  • Emission inspection service
  • Industrial supplies
  • Travel services
  • Landscaping equipment
  • Paint (various kinds)
  • Electronic monitoring services
  • Electrical supplies

 

How do I make a purchase with a state contract?

Once you have a current co-op membership:

  • Use our contract search to find a contract or learn about special purchasing programs
  • Identify a vendor on the contract you wish to use
  • Contact the vendor citing the contract number you wish to use, contract name, and your organization’s co-op membership number (found on the signature page of the membership agreement).

What if I have additional questions?

  • Call customer service at (360) 902-7400 or send an email to coop@ga.wa.gov
  • Please reference the “Co-op” when asking your question.