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 Champions Unified Purchasing Alliance (CUPA)
Garfield Board of Education – Lead Agency
Program Overview
The Champions Unified Purchasing Alliance (CUPA) is a cooperative purchasing program administered by the Garfield Board of Education. The program allows school districts and other public entities to purchase goods and services through contracts that have been publicly bid and awarded by the Lead Agency.
CUPA was established to help participating organizations reduce the time and cost associated with the public bidding process while remaining fully compliant with New Jersey procurement laws.
Purpose of the Program
The intent of CUPA is to create efficiencies in purchasing by combining the needs of multiple public entities into a single, competitive bidding process.
By doing so, the program helps:
- Reduce duplication of effort across districts and agencies
- Achieve more competitive pricing
- Ensure consistency and compliance in procurement
How the Program Works
The Garfield Board of Education, as the Lead Agency, is responsible for:
- Advertising bids and soliciting pricing on behalf of participating members
- Preparing and issuing bid specifications
- Awarding contracts to the lowest responsible bidder(s)
Participating members:
- Join the cooperative through a formal agreement and resolution
- Issue their own purchase orders directly to awarded vendors
- Accept delivery, process invoices, and make payments independently
Each participating entity is only responsible for its own purchases and obligations.
Eligibility
Participation in CUPA is open to:
- New Jersey public school districts
- Municipalities and local government agencies
- County agencies and authorities
- Other eligible public contracting units
Available Goods and Services
The cooperative may include a wide range of goods and services permitted under New Jersey law, including but not limited to:
- Facilities maintenance and repair services
- Custodial supplies and services
- Technology equipment and services
- Professional services
- Operational and administrative supplies
Specific contract categories may vary based on member needs and bid activity.
Vendor Participation
Vendors interested in participating in CUPA must respond to publicly advertised bid opportunities issued by the Garfield Board of Education.
All bids are evaluated in accordance with applicable New Jersey statutes, and contracts are awarded to the lowest responsible bidder(s) meeting the specifications.
Compliance
All CUPA contracts are awarded in accordance with:
- N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5) (Cooperative Pricing Systems)
- New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law
- New Jersey Public School Contracts Law
This ensures that participating members can utilize CUPA contracts in place of conducting their own independent bidding process.
Membership Process
To participate in CUPA, interested organizations must:
- Adopt a formal resolution authorizing participation
- Execute a Cooperative Pricing System Agreement with the Lead Agency
- Submit required documentation for enrollment
Once approved, members may begin utilizing available contracts.
Term of Agreement
The Cooperative Pricing System is established for a period not to exceed five (5) years and may be renewed by the Lead Agency in accordance with state regulations.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding CUPA participation:
Garfield Board of Education
Business Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (973) 340-5000
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