Discussion and possible action to authorize the Purchasing Agent to utilize the Cooperative Purchasing vendor, Grainger (Omnia Partners Region 4 ESC Contract #R192002) for the purchase of supplies and related services for the remaining of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021 and in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code; Sub-Chapter F. Cooperative Purchasing Program, Sections 271.101, 271.102 (Cooperative Purchasing Program Participation) and any other matters incident thereto.
Issue: Webb County benefits from online marketplace vendors that provide value pricing on various commodities ordered throughout the fiscal year.
Solution: Utilizing national cooperative pricing through an online marketplace vendor is a mechanism which provides Webb County competitive pricing and value for commodities being ordered for County departments. This vendor has met the competitive bidding requirements of the State of Texas.
Result: Authorizing the Purchasing Agent to use the Omnia Partner Region 4 ESC Contract #R192002 (Grainger) for online marketplace purchases will provide more options, competitive pricing and cost savings for County Departments.
Background:
Through this the Omnia Cooperative contract, Grainger offers a broad portfolio of products resulting in streamline, cost-effective solutions for supplies, materials and accessories.
Grainger has supplied a core list of products and has offered fixed discounts on various categories. (8% - 37%; volume discounts)
The cooperative contract offers over 1.7 million products covering more than 32 categories. The contract also includes a web-based ordering system; eProcurement offers ability to integrate Grainger’s General Catalog and buying process with customers’ purchasing system and Grainger.com