What is TIPS?
One of the largest national purchasing cooperatives is TIPS, or The Interlocal Purchasing System. Located in Texas, TIPS is a public agency with members in education, government and non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. Vendors who wish to participate respond to an RFP or RFQ, Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes, respectively. Each vendor submission is then scored using a set of predetermined criteria as benchmarks. Those who meet or exceed the criteria are then voted upon for final approval.
What are the benefits of purchasing through TIPS?
Just as with any purchasing cooperative, membership is required. A TIPS membership is available to any school, government agency or non-profit organization and completely free to join without any obligation to purchase. Membership provides instant access to full-line product and service solutions at highly competitive prices. With legislative authority, TIPS has the capacity to secure nationwide contracts for their members to take advantage of. This means the time intensive, laborious process of soliciting bids and selecting vendors has already been accomplished. Members can select from pre-vetted vendors and purchase with confidence. Members can even submit their own RFPs and specifications through an easy-to-use membership portal. Volumes are aggregated to secure the best possible prices. TIPS personnel act as an extension of their members’ staff and are always available to assist in the procurement process answering questions, confirming pricing and ensuring compliance.
Is School Outfitters a selected vendor of TIPS?
School Outfitters is proud to be a TIPS vendor providing quality furniture and equipment in the following categories:- Science equipment and supplies. Shop an assortment of durable science tables, adjustable lab stools and student microscopes.
- Audio visual equipment and supplies. We carry an extensive selection of headphones, versatile presentation carts and student response systems.
- Food service equipment. Keep your cafeteria running smoothly with food preparation surfaces, convenient bussing carts and sturdy commercial kitchen shelving.
- Classroom and teaching aids. Choose from various activity kits, interactive electronics and organizational classroom charts.
- Office and school supplies. Keep areas tidy and organized with our collection of storage bins, paper cutters and rolled paper racks.
- Playground equipment. Everything you need for your park or playground like picnic tables, outdoor benches and playground sets.
- Cafeteria equipment and furniture. Shop cafeteria tables, cafeteria chairs and booth seating to outfit dining spaces.
- Lockers. Find lockers for any storage need like metal lockers, preschool lockers and box lockers.
- Pathogen barriers and PPE supplies. Maintain a healthy learning environment with our selection of social distancing dividers, portable sinks and UV disinfection equipment.
- School furniture. Outfit classrooms with all the furnishing essentials from chairs and desks to activity tables and whiteboards.
In addition to an array of ready-to-ship furnishings, School Outfitters has a team of experts with extensive experience in proven room designs, project management, seamless installation and after-order care. To learn more about TIPS or any other cooperative purchasing contracts School Outfitters is an approved vendor for please contact our contract team at 1-800-260-2776 or contracts@schooloutfitters.com.
