What is TIPS purchasing cooperative?
If your school or district is trying to stretch every dollar without drowning in paperwork, TIPS might be exactly what you've been looking for. Here's what it is, how it works, and what it means for your purchasing experience with School Outfitters.
What is TIPS?
TIPS, or The Interlocal Purchasing System, is one of the largest national purchasing cooperatives in the country. Sponsored by the Region 8 Education Service Center (ESC8) in Pittsburg, Texas, TIPS is a public agency serving members in education, government, and nonprofit organizations across all 50 states.
Vendors who want to participate respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ). Each submission is scored against a predetermined set of criteria, and those who meet or exceed the benchmarks are voted on for final approval by the Region 8 ESC Board of Directors. This process keeps things competitive and accountable from the start.
What are the benefits of purchasing through TIPS?
Membership in TIPS is completely free, with no obligation to purchase. Any school, government agency, or nonprofit organization is eligible to join, no matter what state you're in.
Once you're a member, the benefits add up quickly:
Instant access to pre-vetted vendors. The competitive bid process has already been completed. You skip straight to selecting vendors you can trust.
Competitive pricing. Purchasing volumes are aggregated across members nationwide, so you benefit from buying power you couldn't access on your own.
Legislative compliance. TIPS contracts are competitively procured and legally compliant, making them a reliable path for using federal funds like ESSER. Per 2 CFR Part 200, cooperative purchasing through pre-vetted contracts like TIPS can satisfy federal procurement requirements.
Hands-on support. TIPS staff act as an extension of your team, helping with questions, confirming pricing, and ensuring compliance throughout the purchasing process.
Custom purchasing options. Members can even submit their own RFPs and specifications through an easy-to-use member portal.
School Outfitters is proud to be an approved TIPS vendor. You can view all of our cooperative options on our Contracts and Co-ops page.
Is School Outfitters a TIPS vendor?
Yes. School Outfitters is an approved TIPS vendor across multiple contract categories. Whether you're outfitting a cafeteria, updating a classroom, sourcing science equipment, or furnishing a library, you can use your TIPS membership to shop with confidence, nationwide.
Here's a look at the categories we're approved under:
Category | Contract Number | Sample products |
|---|---|
200805 | Science tables, lab stools, student microscopes |
200904 | Headphones, presentation carts, student response systems |
230401 | Food prep surfaces, bussing carts, commercial kitchen shelving |
210902 | Activity kits, interactive electronics, classroom charts |
201101 | Cafeteria tables, cafeteria chairs, booth seating |
20110301 | Metal lockers, preschool lockers, box lockers |
230603 | Social distancing dividers, portable sinks, UV disinfection equipment |
21070201 | Picnic tables, outdoor benches, playground sets |
230301 | Student desks, classroom chairs, activity tables, whiteboards, library shelving, inclusive and special needs furniture |
Through the Furniture, Furnishings & Services contract (230301), School Outfitters also offers:
Inclusive and special needs furniture to support every learner in the classroom
Library shelving and furniture for flexible, welcoming library spaces
Student desks and classroom furniture available for schools in all 50 states
Beyond a wide product selection, School Outfitters also brings a team of experts with deep experience in space planning, project management, seamless installation, and after-order care. We're here to support your project from first question to final delivery.
Ready to get started with TIPS? Visit our TIPS page or explore all of our co-ops and contracts to see what's available for your state and institution.
Frequently asked questions about TIPS
What does TIPS stand for?
TIPS stands for The Interlocal Purchasing System. It's a national purchasing cooperative managed by the Region 8 Education Service Center in Pittsburg, Texas.
Who can become a TIPS member?
Membership is open to K-12 school districts, charter schools, colleges and universities, cities, counties, state agencies, nonprofits, and other entities with legislated purchasing or bidding requirements. Basically, if your organization has to follow purchasing rules, TIPS was designed for you.
How much does TIPS membership cost?
Nothing. TIPS membership is completely free, with no obligation to purchase anything.
How do I become a TIPS member?
The process is fast and straightforward. Visit tips-usa.com to access step-by-step membership instructions and documents for your state.
How does TIPS select its vendors?
TIPS posts an RFP or RFQ for a specific product or service category. Vendors submit proposals, which are scored by a committee using published criteria. Vendors who meet or exceed the minimum score are then presented to the Region 8 ESC Board of Directors for final approval. It's a competitive, transparent process.
Does a TIPS contract meet the purchasing requirements of my state?
TIPS contracts are competitively bid and legally compliant with Texas procurement law, and TIPS works to align with the requirements of all 50 states. That said, it's ultimately your organization's responsibility to verify that a TIPS purchase meets your specific state laws and regulations. If you have questions, TIPS legal counsel is available at [email protected]
Can I purchase inclusive or special needs furniture through TIPS with School Outfitters?
Yes. Through the Furniture, Furnishings & Services contract (230301), School Outfitters offers inclusive and special needs furniture, library shelving, student desks, and a full range of classroom furnishings, all available to schools in every state. Browse our furniture options or contact our team for a quote.
Can I purchase library furniture and shelving through TIPS with School Outfitters?
Yes. Library shelving and furniture are available through our Furniture, Furnishings & Services contract (230301). Whether you're refreshing a single reading nook or outfitting an entire library, School Outfitters can help you source and install the right pieces. View our TIPS contract options to get started.
How do I make a TIPS purchase with School Outfitters?
Just identify yourself as a TIPS member when you reach out to us, and we'll provide a quote based on your applicable TIPS contract. Then create a purchase order clearly identifying it as a TIPS purchase, including the contract number. It's that simple.
What other co-ops and contracts is School Outfitters on?
In addition to TIPS, School Outfitters is an approved vendor on several other national and regional co-ops, including BuyBoard and BuyQ. Visit our Contracts and Co-ops page to find what's available in your state.
To learn more or to get a TIPS quote on furniture, equipment, or other school essentials, contact our contract team at 1-800-260-2776 or visit https://www.schooloutfitters.com/contact-us.
