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Frequently Asked Questions About CPAs

How is it decided which products and services to pursue for CPAs?

Libraries will tell us about products and services they need, for which they also need a price break. We pursue products and vendors based on libraries’ identified needs. We currently have or are developing CPAs for computers, toner cartridges, courier services, library furniture, library processing supplies, large print books, DVDs/videos, operating software, photocopy paper and book bags.

How does SOLS secure better pricing than a library can get on its own or through its municipality’s purchasing department?

By referencing the potential purchasing volume of all libraries, we can secure better prices than an individual library could, given its more limited total potential purchasing volume.

We secure the best prices in the following ways:

Negotiating with provincial government vendors of record to pass on the provincial rate (which is usually better than any rate offered to municipalities) to public libraries
Negotiating with provincial government vendors of record to offer better than government rates to public libraries based on their charitable status
Developing tenders and requests for proposals for goods and services if a) there are no existing provincial or municipal discounts -- b) there are multiple provincial vendors of record from which to chose for a specific good or service.

Compare ‘apples to apples’ when checking prices. For example you may be able to get ‘grey market’ printer toner cartridges at the local discount office supply store cheaper than the heavily discounted ‘original equipment manufacture’ CPA offering. However, check brand, quality, and durability before deciding which is really better value for money.

What should I do if I want to access one of the agreements, and what am I obligated to?

Click on the section of this site called Current CPA agreements for details about existing agreements. Participation in SOLS CPAs is voluntary.

If I need a product or service that is close to but not exactly what is listed on a CPA, can you help me?

By all means. For example you may decide that you like the brand of computer on offer but don’t need the features of the particular model. Get in touch, and together we can encourage the vendor to extend the pricing to other models.

If I need a product or service that isn’t listed, what should I do?

Get in touch with us as soon as possible. If there is sufficient interest, we will work hard to secure a CPA.

What other purchasing related services does SOLS provide to libraries?

In the Spring of 2003 SOLS assisted libraries with their Trillium Foundation grant applications by providing product and pricing information. We can provide assistance such as templates for developing tenders and requests for proposals, and by serving on tender evaluation committees.

Words to the wise…

If you decide to use a CPA, use the CPA! In the past, while a consortium price was offered, some libraries approached vendors directly through a favourite salesperson or through their municipal purchasing staff wanting the same discount. This approach might appear reasonable for the individual library, but totally undermines our ability to continue to secure the best pricing in future. Success depends on the actual purchases we can track having been made through the CPAs.