What must be determined when considering the use of a National Coop?

When considering the use of a National Cooperative, it is essential to determine price savings after all factors are taken into account. This is because the primary purpose of engaging with a cooperative purchasing agreement is to leverage the collective buying power that many organizations participate in for better pricing on goods and services.

Price savings should not only be measured by comparing the immediate costs but also by considering the overall value, which includes factors such as bulk purchasing advantages, the quality of products and services, delivery terms, and any additional fees that might apply. Therefore, a thorough analysis must ensure that using a National Coop results in true financial benefits that justify the decision to engage in the cooperative purchasing process.

While other factors such as the terms of the contract, availability of local vendors, and compliance with state regulations are also important considerations, they serve more as supporting details in the decision-making process rather than the primary objective of finding cost savings through cooperative purchasing. Prioritizing the assessment of potential price savings ensures that the procurement process remains aligned with the goals of economic efficiency and effective resource utilization.