SAVING MONEY THROUGH STATE CONTRACTS FOR EARLY LEARNING CENTER DIRECTORS

Under the Louisiana Revised Statutes 39:1551-1775, also known as the Louisiana Procurement Code, early learning centers were granted access to utilize state contracts for procuring services and equipment. These contracts, managed by the Office of State Procurement (OSP), offer discounts on over 650 contracts for a variety of categories including food, dairy, janitorial supplies, office supplies, computers, telecommunications, and vehicles.  

BENEFITS OF STATE CONTRACTS

• Lower pricing
• Quantity discounts
• Variety of items and greater selections
• Dedicated customer service and resources
• Support from the Office of State Procurement
• Guaranteed compliance of participating vendors

Step One: Complete Authorization

1. Complete the State Contract Questionnaire Form.
2. Mail form to the Office of State Procurement.
3. Within 8-10 business days, if eligible, receive approval to use state contracts.

Step Two: Select a Vendor 

Research current contracts to get contact information from vendors.

• Commonly Used Contracts for Early Learning Centers - Remember: One category may supply multiple items. For example, “baby wipes and diapers” are listed as “paper” products.
• Fleet Vehicle, Maintenance and Fuel Contracts - Non-profit and public programs may be eligible for discounted fuel.
• OSP’s Louisiana Electronic Catalog (LA eCAT) provides a comprehensive list of contracts.

Step Three: Determine if your purchase requires multiple quotes

You must contact each company listed to solicit a quote when a vendor is marked:

• Louisiana Multiple Award Schedule (LaMAS)
• Multistate/Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, or
• Louisiana Pricing Schedule (LaPS)

Step Four: Contact vendors

Remember: Each vendor has a different process.

• Sample Script When Contacting State Vendors

Step Five: Provide Feedback

• Feedback: Using State Contracts

TRAINING

• 2019 - State Contracts for Early Learning Centers

RESOURCES

• Office of State Procurement Help Desks
• Office of State Procurement Contacts
• Vehicle Purchasing Process
• Guidance on Discounted Fuel