News and
Information: The following bids have now been added to the How to Order
Guide. Office Supplies --- Corporate Express; Classroom
Supplies --- (this is a rebid), Corporate Express and School Specialty were
both awarded bids; E - surplus --- Lone Star Auctioneers; Administrative
Software --- Learn Key and Master Teacher; Janitorial Supplies --- Corporate
Express; Food Service Management Software --- School Link Technologies,
and Pacific Triangle. Most of the existing bids that we have are still in
place and will be renewed next year. They may be viewed on our web by clicking
on How to Order.
On May 25th of 2006, we opened the bid for food with Food Services of America; (FSA) being the successful bidder. This bid is saving a number of schools money with many actually in the black for the first time. Most MCS members are taking advantage of this bid with good reports on prices and service. If you are not taking advantage of this bid, you certainly should. Savings average 20% over what schools pay for food without the bid. You may join at any time of the year and will not be held to buying 60% (a condition of the bid) of last years food purchases for the remainder of this year. If you wish to join, email me and I will send the forms to you (Or you may download them from the front page).
Rhonda Houston is also available for questions about bids. Rhonda was recently with Food Services of America where she worked with many of the schools in the state. She will be calling on some of you to see if you need anything and answer any questions. rhonda@mtcoop.org or call 406-698-4941.
You may buy over the bid limit of $50,000 from any of the companies MCS has bids with without bidding, since the coop has already done the bidding. Please refer to MCA 20-9-204 (3) "--- or as provided in subsection (4)". As a member, you have a cooperative purchasing agreement with MCS and MCS follows all requirements of subsection (4).
I have put together a "How to Order" fact sheet that I update frequently. New and existing members will find this helpful when placing orders.
CDWG has their web page www.cdwg.com/mtcoop set up so you can order online.
This is quite convenient. Almost anything you need that is technology can
be ordered from this site. You need to set up your account first, then a reduced prices web page comes up for
November 1 is the registration date for all members. Register now you will be a member until October 30, 2006. To register just fill out an application. The fee for membership is $50 plus $1.50 per student with a maximum of $1800. As soon as I receive the application, you will become a member. A decision was made at our last board meeting to start prorating dues for new members.
All our vendors can be found on the Company Contracts page.
Be sure to get the cooperative prices we have obtained. Just let the vendor know that you want the cooperative price you get as a member of MCS. It's as simple as that.
If you have any questions,
please call 406-488-6247 or e-mail.
Frank Loehding
Executive Director
