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KCRPC Frequently Asked Questions

How does KCRPC help local governments?

Cooperative purchasing through the KCRPC helps local governments increase their effectiveness and purchasing power.

KCRPC issues bids for goods and services on behalf of multiple agencies. Using KCRPC contracts, participating local governments can save money while avoiding duplication of effort and advertising costs. KCRPC focuses on regional products/services that can be standardized across multiple agencies.

KCRPC also partners with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to provide even more cooperative contracts to local governments in the MARC region. H-GAC focuses on higher ticket, capital-intensive products and services that require technical and detailed specifications. Using H-GAC contracts simplifies the purchase of heavy equipment, fire apparatus, and many other products that are difficult for an individual agency to bid out.

Is my agency eligible to purchase through KCRPC?

Your agency must be a current member of the Mid America Council of Public Purchasing (MACPP) to use local KCRPC contracts. Any agency can use H-GAC contracts. Both Kansas and Missouri allow cooperative purchasing between agencies. The governing body of your individual agency may require a resolution authorizing use of a specific contract.

How can I purchase items without going through my own bid process?

All contracts issued by KCRPC and H-GAC follow standard governmental purchasing practices. When you purchase under one of our contracts, you can rest assured that it was competitively bid, advertised, evaluated, and awarded. Bid documents are available if you need backup documentation for your purchases.

Where do I find more information or a list of available products?

Visit our Web site to learn more about the KCRPC and search our database of available contracts.

In addition to contracts awarded by the KCRPC, you’ll find copies of contracts awarded by other agencies in the region that include a “piggyback” clause for other local governments. The Web site also features a monthly newsletter with information about current activities and new bids.

You can also view a list of products available through H-GAC contracts at www.hgacbuy.org. To obtain a quote under an H-GAC contract or get more information about using the program, contact Rita Parker, KCRPC Program Coordinator, at rparker@marc.org or 816/246-5083.

Why is there an administrative fee to use these contracts?

Both KCRPC and H-GAC are self-supporting. Administrative fees help pay for our costs in providing these services to you. Your savings will easily outweigh any fees paid, especially when you consider the staff time to develop bid specifi cations, advertising costs and higher product prices associated with bidding on your own. Also, purchases using the cooperative contracts can typically be made in days, rather than months.