TIPS/TAPS
TIPS/TAPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) is a national cooperative purchasing organization based in Texas that provides competitively procured contracts to government entities, school districts, and nonprofits.
What Is TIPS/TAPS?
TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System), sometimes referred to as TIPS/TAPS, is a national cooperative purchasing organization based in Texas. It provides competitively solicited contracts to government agencies, K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, and nonprofits across all 50 states.
TIPS was originally created by Texas school districts and has particularly strong adoption in the southern and central United States.
How TIPS Works
- TIPS issues competitive solicitations across product and service categories
- Vendors respond and are evaluated based on published criteria
- Multiple vendors may be awarded per category
- Member entities purchase directly from awarded vendors referencing the TIPS contract number
- TIPS collects a small administrative fee from the vendor (typically 2%)
TIPS Categories
- Technology and telecommunications
- Facilities and construction
- Professional services
- Office and classroom supplies
- Fleet and transportation
- Safety and security
TIPS vs. Other Cooperatives
| Feature | TIPS/TAPS | Sourcewell | OMNIA Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Texas school districts | Minnesota government | National network |
| Strength | Texas and Southern states | National, strong in education | Largest overall network |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Admin fee | ~2% | ~1-2% | Varies |
When to Use TIPS
- Strong in Texas and the South. If your target market includes Texas school districts and southern state agencies, TIPS is widely recognized.
- Education focus. TIPS originated in education and has strong adoption among school districts nationally.
- Complement to other co-ops. Many vendors hold TIPS contracts alongside Sourcewell and OMNIA Partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TIPS/TAPS?
TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) is a national cooperative purchasing organization based in Texas that provides competitively solicited contracts to government agencies, school districts, and nonprofits.
Is TIPS only for Texas?
No. While TIPS originated in Texas and has strong adoption there, its contracts are available to eligible public entities in all 50 states.
How do vendors get on a TIPS contract?
By responding to competitive solicitations published by TIPS. The process follows standard cooperative procurement procedures with vendor evaluation and award.
What is the TIPS administrative fee?
Typically 2% of sales, built into vendor pricing and paid by the vendor to TIPS. This is comparable to other cooperative purchasing organizations.
Should vendors be on TIPS and Sourcewell?
If you sell to education and government nationally, holding contracts with multiple cooperatives maximizes your coverage. TIPS is particularly strong in Texas and the South, while Sourcewell has broader national reach.