The National League of Cities along with the National Association of Counties, the Association of School Business Officials International, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, and the United States Conference of Mayors are sponsors of the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.

The U.S. Communities program provides all local agencies in the U.S. with publicly competitively bid contracts for various products and services. Most local agencies may piggyback on a contract competitively bid by another public agency, thereby eliminating the need to re-bid. Through the buying power of large government purchasers in the U.S. Communities program, all local government agencies receive access to excellent pricing and contract terms.

U.S. Communities offers local agencies:

• Competitively bid contracts by a lead local agency
• Most favorable local government pricing
• National sponsorship by leading associations and purchasing organizations
• A broad range of high quality products
• The aggregate purchasing power of public agencies nationwide
• Management by public purchasing professionals

U.S. Communities Green Initiative:
U.S. Communities Going Green Program (www.gogreencommunities.org) is the one-stop source for public agency access to a broad line of responsible purchasing products, services and resources. In addition to a comprehensive contracts that offer eco-friendly products, agencies will find a wealth of valuable information and resources that will help lower environmental impact within the community.
 

Getting Started on U.S. Communities

It is quick and easy to join U.S. Communities and there is no cost to partiicpate. Visit the U.S. Communities website at www.uscommunities.org and click "register to participate."  Proceed to the "product categories" section of the website to contact the supplies and you are on your way to your first moving-saving contract.

For more information on the U.S. Communities program, contact Marc Shapiro, Program Director, Enterprise Programs, NLC,  202.626.3019, e-mail: shapiro@nlc.org or visit the U.S. Communities website, www.uscommunities.org or e-mail: info@uscommunities.org.