Procurement
How Public Agencies Buy IT and AI Through Cooperative Contracts
Cooperative and statewide contracts let public agencies buy vetted IT and AI services quickly - using a competitively awarded vehicle instead of running their own solicitation. This guide explains how cooperative purchasing works, when to use it, and the six vehicles agencies can use to engage ALINEDS.
What cooperative purchasing is
A cooperative or statewide contract is competitively solicited and awarded once, then made available to many eligible public entities. Instead of each agency running a full procurement, members piggyback on the awarded contract - saving months of time while staying compliant with procurement law.
When to use it
Cooperative vehicles fit when you need vetted services on a defensible, pre-competed contract, want to move quickly, and your jurisdiction permits cooperative purchasing. They are widely used for IT staffing, technology products, modernization, and - increasingly - AI.
How to buy through a vehicle
Generally: confirm your entity is an eligible member (or join the cooperative), scope the work with the vendor, and issue a purchase order that references the specific contract number. Some vehicles (for example, TXShare) require a one-time master interlocal agreement first.
The six ways to buy ALINEDS
- TXShare (NCTCOG) MSA #2025-017 - ERP consultancy and assessment (Texas and all 50 states)
- TXShare (NCTCOG) MSA #2025-018 - AI solutions for public-sector entities (Texas and all 50 states)
- Texas DIR DIR-CPO-5827 - IT staff augmentation (Texas and eligible out-of-state entities)
- State of Washington #16322 - IT development services (Washington eligible purchasers)
- PCA OD-372-22 - computer equipment, supplies, and related items (PCA members nationwide)
- TIPS (Region 8 ESC) - staffing (230703) and technology solutions (230105), nationwide members
Each contract page lists the scope, eligible entities, term, and how to order.
Frequently asked
Do we still need our own procurement?
Usually not - that's the point of a cooperative award, where your jurisdiction allows it.
Which vehicle should we use?
It depends on what you're buying and your eligibility; each contract page explains its scope.
Author
Davids Achonu
Managing Director
Managing Director - a technology executive with two decades in cloud and digital transformation, leading ALINEDS's secure-AI, IT, and cybersecurity delivery for government.
Published Updated