FAQ

Frequently
Asked Questions

What is NPPGov?

NPPGov is a national cooperative procurement organization offering publicly solicited contracts to government entities nationwide. Our contracts are created through a publicly solicited request for proposal process by a Lead Public Agency. Membership is free and there are no minimum purchasing obligations. NPPGov provides live contract support with a team dedicated to assisting members through all stages of the procurement process.

How does the NPPGov program work?

NPPGov operates by utilizing multiple independent Lead Public Agencies that conduct public solicitations through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This approach allows public and non-profit entities to access these publicly solicited contracts without having to conduct their own RFP process. While a provided intergovernmental agreement with the Lead Public Agency is suggested for access to these contracts, it is not a requirement.

NPPGov’s staff and legal counsel prove the necessary documentation and support to the participating entities. This system allows organizations to efficiently acquire goods and services through established contracts, saving time and resources.

Do I have to be an NPPGov member to utilize their contracts?

As a cooperative procurement organization, we rely on the strength of our membership to develop competitive contracts. In order to comply with the group identified in the RFP, membership is required; however, website registration is not required.

Membership is free with no commitments or obligations to purchase.  Membership also allows NPPGov to support you in the use of our agreements and to allow tracking of contract usage with our vendors.

Eligible organizations in the United States and Canada include:

  • Government: State and local, tax districts, K-12 public schools, higher education.
  • Public Safety Agencies:
    • Fire: agencies, districts, departments, volunteer
    • EMS/ambulance
    • Law enforcement: police/sheriff departments, correctional facilities, emergency management
  • Non-Profit: All 501(c) 1-28 organizations that do not receive Medicaid funding. (Only those nonprofits eligible for FirstNet are eligible to use ATT.)

To become an NPPGov Member:

  1. Visit our website: nppgov.com
  2. Complete the required fields on the registration form and submit.
  3. You will receive a welcome email confirming your membership with your new Member ID and a link to set up your account access/password. Vendor discount information can be accessed using your login credentials.

What is the difference between NPPGov and other cooperatives?

Here’s what our members particularly appreciate:

  • Responsive Customer Service: Our dedicated customer service team, including direct communication with our legal counsel, ensures that members receive prompt and informed assistance.
  • Independent Lead Public Agencies: We use independent Lead Public Agencies to manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on behalf of our members. This approach helps maintain a fair and unbiased procurement process.
  • Easy Access to Documentation: Members have convenient access to all necessary RFP and contract documents, streamlining the procurement process.
  • Community Healthcare Support: Revenue generated support our two non-profit hospital owners, which in turn bolster healthcare services in communities across the nation.
  • Support for Association Partners: We provide direct revenue support to our association partners, helping to support to our association partners. This helps them support members who are closely engaged with community services and healthcare needs.

What process validated the products and services offered?

NPPGov operates as a nationwide facilitator for publicly awarded agreements tailored to government entities. Our agreements are the result of a rigorous and transparent solicitation process conducted by a Lead Public Agency. These agencies are independent government bodies that adhere to the strict advertising and solicitation requirements dictated by public procurement laws. The following is a detailed breakdown of how NPPGov contracts are established and validated:

  1. Preparation of the RFP: The Lead Public Agency initiates the process by preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP). This RFP includes essential cooperative purchasing language, commonly known as “piggybacking language,” which permits public entities nationwide to leverage the terms of the awarded contract.
  2. Response and Evaluation: Suppliers interested in the agreement respond to the RFP. The Lead Public Agency then conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the submissions and awards one or more Master Price Agreements based on their assessments.
  3. Access to Contract Documents: Once awarded, the contract documents are made available on our website under the “Our Vendors” tab. NPPGov members can conveniently review these documents and gain access to contract pricing by signing the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (IGA).
  4. Adherence to Guidelines: The entire public solicitation process adheres to guidelines set forth by FEMA and AFG, and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) generally, to ensure compliance and reliability.

For legal clarity specific to your jurisdiction, we recommend consulting with your legal counsel. You can also reach out to our Customer Service Team for further assistance at (877) 329-8847.

Can my entity purchase through NPPGov?

Your ability to purchase through NPPGov depends on your state and local procurement laws and policies. In most jurisdictions, the answer is “Yes!”

NPPGov staff are readily available to assist and answer any questions regarding how our contracts are established, helping you determine your eligibility. Nearly all 50 states have statutes that explicitly permit the use of publicly solicited contracts, even if the contract was established in another state.

For more detailed information on state statutes, please visit our website. The only other requirement is that you must be a member of NPPGov.

What contracts are available through NPPGov?

NPPGov offers a wide range of contracts across various categories, including:

  • Aftermarket Vehicle Parts and Accessories
  • Agricultural And Construction Equipment
  • Body Armor And Ballistic Protection
  • Classroom Supplies and Teaching Tools
  • Drones/Unmanned Vehicles
  • Electric And Lighting Equipment
  • Electric Vehicle Charging and Accessories
  • Firefighting And Rescue Equipment
  • Furniture
  • Law Enforcement Equipment
  • Medical Supplies
  • MRO (Maintenance, Repair, And Operations) Products
  • Office Supplies and Equipment
  • Park & Playground Equipment
  • Safety Equipment
  • Technology
  • Wireless And Data Communications

This diverse portfolio allows public and non-profit organizations to access competitively bid contracts for a wide array of products and services.

I have to conduct an RFP process or at least have three quotes. How does NPPGov satisfy this requirement?

NPPGov contracts were created through an RFP process meeting the requirements of all above and below purchasing threshold requirements. The process includes local and national print advertising as well as online internet services to post RFP solicitations. By piggybacking off the contract you are eliminating the need to conduct your own solicitation or collect three quotes. It is still your responsibility to verify our contracts meet your state and local requirements, but our legal counsel is available for consultation during your analysis.

Where do I find information on the products and price quotes offered through NPPGov contracts?

Our website has a complete list of all vendors/contracts as well as products and pricing. Vendors will provide quotes for the items of interest. Some information is only available to members who have logged onto our website.

Where can I obtain copies of the legal documentation associated with each publicly solicited contract?

Contracting documents, including the RFP, Master Price Agreement, Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and Synopsis, are available on our website under the vendor page and may be accessed by logging in to the website.

What are the terms of the contracts?

Contract terms vary by the public entity that conducted the solicitation, but the initial term is typically between two to four years with the option of multi-year extensions.

Do the contracts offer products to meet my organization’s specific needs?

Most contracts offer a full product line, and many provide options for various customizations to meet your organization’s specific needs. To ensure that the products align with your requirements, we recommend reviewing the specific contract you are interested in. Detailed information about the product offerings, customization options, and any additional services can typically be found within the contract documentation.

For tailored guidance and additional information, both the vendor and our highly knowledgeable NPPGov staff are readily available for consultation. They can assist you in navigating the contract details and help address any specific needs or questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us for personalized support to ensure you find the best solutions fitting your organization’s requirements.

What does it cost to join NPPGov?

There are no membership fees, purchasing obligations or minimum purchasing requirements.

How is NPPGov funded and where does the revenue go?

NPPGov is funded through a small administrative fee that we negotiate with our vendors. This approach enables us to offer our services at no cost to our members. The revenue generated from our program is directed to our non-profit hospital owners, supporting vital healthcare initiatives including autoimmune disease research.

Where do I send the payments?

Invoices and payments go directly to the vendor you are working with for the products of interest. NPPGov does not collect any payments from our members for products or services.