Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA): 101
For almost five years now, the IEC has been an active member of the AEPA. Belonging to AEPA helps us obtain and secure a wider variety of contracts and discounts for our client’s use.
The AEPA is a group of Educational Service Agencies and subdivisions that work together to secure combined volume purchasing contracts based on potential sales in all participating states. AEPA first began in 2000 with 10 member states. Today, it consists of 23 states representing over 25 million students. Their mission is to cooperatively serve their qualified agency memberships by continuously exploring and solving present and future purchasing needs. Their main goal is to work on their member’s behalf to secure purchasing contracts that have measurable benefits, are cost-effective and exceed expectations.
Groups like the AEPA provide their members and their member’s clients with many advantages. For instance, AEPA members avoid duplication and expenses associated with the bid process as one bid takes care of all 23 states. Volume contracts are based on 23 states participating which means better pricing with the higher volume. The AEPA provides buying power that attracts and leverages national vendors and also saves time and money with the lowest national pricing available. Finally, AEPA members can rest easy knowing that bidding has been done through nationally experienced participants.
Twice a year, the AEPA and all 23 member states meet for the purpose of redefining the group’s bylaws, policies and procedures, consider new member states, and select product categories to seek national vendor bid responses. Task groups are also assigned to develop product specs, market and educate potential vendors, and refine general terms and conditions that are specific to product categories. Finally, bids are reviewed and award recommendations are made.
As mentioned earlier, the IEC has acquired many contracts through their membership in the AEPA. All AEPA contracts are noted on our website through the use of the AEPA logo.
