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069-14 - HGACBuy - Contract
Tv a� INTERLOCAL CONTRACT 1LC rNr swnrr ruecrrasrrro soturrow FOR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING No.: Permanent Number assigned by H-GAC THIS INTERLOCAL CONTRACT ("Contract"), made and entered into pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government Code (the "Act"), by and between the Houston -Galveston Area Council, hereinafter referred to as "H-GAC," having its principal place of business at 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77027, and * t'ity of Port Orrhard , a local government, a state agency, or a non-profit corporation created and operated to provide one or more governmental functions and services, hereinafter referred to as "End User," having its principal place of business at * 21 R Pmg t?r:t RtrPPt, Pnrt Qrrhard WA GRRRFi WITNESSETH WHEREAS, H-GAC is a regional planning commission and political subdivision of the State of Texas operating under Chapter 391, Texas Local Government Code; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, H-GAC is authorized to contract with eligible entities to perform governmental functions and services, including the purchase of goods and services; and WHEREAS, in reliance on such authority, H-GAC has instituted a cooperative purchasing program under which it contracts with eligible entities under the Act; and WHEREAS, End User has represented that it is an eligible entity under the Act, that its governing body has authorized this Contract on * 08/04/2014 (Date), and that it desires to contract with H-GAC on the terms set forth below; NOW, THEREFORE, H-GAC and the End User do hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE 1: LEGAL AUTHORITY The End User represents and warrants to H-GAC that (1) it is eligible to contract with H-GAC under the Act because it is one of the following: a local government, as defined in the Act (a county, a municipality, a special district, or other political subdivision of the State of Texas or any other state), or a combination of two or more of those entities, a state agency (an agency of the State of Texas as defined in Section 771.002 of the Texas Government Code, or a similar agency of another state), or a non-profit corporation created and operated to provide one or more governmental functions and services, and (2) it possesses adequate legal authority to enter into this Contract. ARTICLE 2: APPLICABLE LAWS H-GAC and the End User agree to conduct all activities under this Contract in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, and ordinances and laws in effect or promulgated during the term of this Contract. ARTICLE 3: WHOLE AGREEMENT This Contract and any attachments, as provided herein, constitute the complete contract between the parties hereto, and supersede any and all oral and written agreements between the parties relating to matters herein. ARTICLE 4: PERFORMANCE PERIOD The period of this Contract shall be for the balance of the fiscal year of the End User, which began * 01/01/2014 and ends * 12131/2014 . This Contract shall thereafter automatically be renewed annually for each succeeding fiscal year, provided that such renewal shall not have the effect of extending the period in which the End User may make any payment due an H- GAC contractor beyond the fiscal year in which such obligation was incurred under this Contract. ARTICLE 5: SCOPE OF SERVICES The End User appoints H-GAC its true and lawful purchasing agent for the purchase of certain products and services through the H- GAC Cooperative Purchasing Program. End User will access the Program through HGACBuv.com and by submission of any duly executed purchase order, in the form prescribed by H-GAC to a contractor having a valid contract with H-GAC. All purchases hereunder shall be in accordance with specifications and contract terms and pricing established by H-GAC. Ownership (title) to products purchased through H-GAC shall transfer directly from the contractor to the End User. (over) ARTICLE 6: PAYMENTS H-GAC will confirm each order and issue notice to contractor to proceed. Upon delivery of goods or services purchased, and presentation of a properly documented invoice, the End User shall promptly, and in any case within thirty (30) days, pay H-GAC's contractor the full amount of the invoice. All payments for goods or services will be made from current revenues available to the paying party. In no event shall I4-GAC have any financial liability to the End User for any goods or services End User procures from an H- GAC contractor. ARTICLE 7: CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS This Contract may be amended only by a written amendment executed by both parties, except that any alterations, additions, or deletions to the terms of this Contract which arc required by changes in Federal and State law or regulations are automatically incorporated into this Contract without written amendment hereto and shall become effective on the date designated by such law or regulation. H-GAC reserves the right to make changes in the scope of products and services offered through the H-GAC Cooperative Purchasing Program to be performed hereunder. ARTICLE 8: TERMINATION PROCEDURES H-GAC or the End User may cancel this Contract at any time upon thirty (30) days written notice by certified mail to the other parry to this Contract. The obligations of the End User, including its obligation to pay H-GACs contractor for all costs incurred under this Contract prior to such notice shall survive such cancellation, as well as any other obligation incurred under this Contract, until performed or discharged by the End User. ARTICLE 9: SEVERABILITY All parties agree that should any provision of this Contract be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect any other term of this Contract, which shall continue in full force and effect. ARTICLE 10: FORCE MAJEURE To the extent that either party to this Contract shall be wholly or partially prevented from the performance within the term specified of any obligation or duty placed on such party by reason of or through strikes, stoppage of labor, riot, fire, flood, acts of war, insurrection, accident. order of any court, act of God, or specific cause reasonably beyond the party's control and not attributable to its neglect or nonfeasance, in such event, the time for the performance of such obligation or duty shall be suspended until such disability to perform is removed; provided, however, force majeure shall not excuse an obligaion solely to pay funds. Determination of force majeure shall rest solely with H-GAC. ARTICLE 11: VENUE Disputes between procuring party and Vendor arc to be resolved in accord with the law and venue rules of the State of purchase. THIS INSTRUMENT HAS BEEN EXECUTED IN TWO ORIGINALS BY THE PARTIES HERETO AS FOLLOWS: • C i f� Of PCB' -f 6 V-C:. AGet r4 Name ortind Use (focal govemment, agency, or non-profit cotpomtion) City state ZIPCode «B Signatu o chiereiccted or aWinted official * P r'ckn d y R t fA emr-S'01 3_� y_ TyWd Name & Tit] a ar Signatory Date a t'y U r-k i Ptx rc c1c,s;J C1-C� V, Houston -Galveston Area Council *Denotes required fields rcv. 03111 *Request for Information To expedite service. please complete the f 0lowing blanks relevant to dour agency's administrative/elective personnel and return the completed tirr to 11-GAC, Cooperative Purchasinp, Propram, P.O. Box 22777. Ilouston,'rX 77227-2777. f 1~lame of'End User Agency: ® County Name: s ( icipalitv:Y'nl rtaw'Dis ctic } Mailing Address: IQC, (Sheet Addre.S.s111.0. ox) (Crrv) {Brute} (ZIP Code Main Tele hone Number: _, P L��1 R'i(o-��EO�-- FAX Number: f3C.p� ) ��(� -10�� Physical Address: (.Street Address. i(dilkrent fi•an nwilirlg address) (City) (State) (ZIP Code) Web Site Address: LA-% t��a�, f' i �.l r-4-\0r�/k-F�i Ov ,. .l l C Official Contact: ) iN,:fa. JE n Title: (Point of Contact for I/G; iCRuy fnterlocnl Contract) Ph No.: - `lailing Address: -r')XQ Fx No.: %S A <Snee lrldrecs/P.C1G�By.r), w E-Mail Address: •uS ((?Irt'I (State) OP Code) Authorized Official: �`� V`{� �(�� Title: (,•L1c,j!o,ICity:bfrnr(7t;erlFrecutiveDirec•ror/etc.) Ph No.: - Mailing Address:\� yV,> "p- ._, Fx No.: _ 0a (Strefr.tdd,e.sstC7.C:0 f3 .k)U ^ E-Mail Address`— u ((_Itv) (State) (ZIP Code_) C fficial Contact: � �� - Title: WiA (I'tuclrrrsirr .4f,7ent!Aurlitorete. Ph No.: An O Mailing Address: r Fx No.: - (Su per AcidressKJ. E-Mail Address: P&A7aLkud LAA iC.irVJ (State) (ZIP Code) ) C,'fficial Contact: � _ Title: _ I � Wuhlic !Narks Director,"I'ohc' 0rie_1'etc.) Ph No.: Q Mailing AddressvZ� (Strecr ttrtress/©.O, 13 r E-Mail Address - NU r� uA ga'c.ol� J (C'irvl (State) 9-r (ZIP Code) • rticial Contact: (FNIS irec otlf'ir•e Chief etc. ) — ailing Address: (.Street A delrcwslo.o. Bo.r) (.State) (ZIP Code) Title: Ph No.: ) - Fx No.: ( ) E-Mail Address: * denotes rec{wired fields Washinaton_State HG_AC Members _ --- —Battle Uroun coo �s c 1'9Brush Prairie Bethel School District (WA) S anawa Chelan County (WA) Wenatchee --City of Anacortes (WA) "' Anacortes .-City of Auburn (WA)'-^ Auburn - City of Bellevue Washington (WA) Bellevue City of Bellingham (WA) Bellingham .. City of Buckley (WA) " Buckley City of Clarkston (WA) Clarkston 4 City of DuPont (WA) -- DuPont City of Edmunds (WA)- Edmonds City of Ephrata (WA) Ephrata . City of Everett (WA),w Everett City of Granite Falls (WA)-- Granite Falls - City of Hoquiam (WA)-- Hoquiam --City of Kenmore (WA) - Kenmore City of Kennewick (WA) Kennewick - City of Kirkland (WA) - Kirkland - City of Lacey (WA)- Lacey City of Longview (WA) Longview City of Lynnwood (WA) Lynnwood - City of Marysville (WA)-- Marysville _City of Mercer Island (WA) r Mercer Island City of Monroe (WA) Monroe City of Mount Vernon (WA) + Mount Vernon - City of Mukilteo (WA) ► Mukilteo -City of Normandy Park (WA) - Normandy Park City of Okanogan (WA) Okanogan City of Olympia (WA) +- Olympia City of Port Angeles (WA) Port Angeles r City of Port Townsend (WA) - Port Townsend -- City of Poulsbo (WA) Poulsbo City of Pullman (WA) Pullman, -City of Puyallup (WA) a Puyallup City of Quincy (WA) Quincy .City of Renton (WA) •- Renton City of Richland (WA) Richland City of Ritzville (WA) Ritzville - City of SeaTac (WA)- SeaTac - City of Seattle (WA)- Seattle .� City of Sequim (WA) -- Sequim City of Spokane (WA) Spokane - City of Tukwila (WA)- Tukwila City of Union Gap (WA) Union Gap + City of Vancouver (WA)- Vancouver City of Walla Walla (WA) Walla Walla City of Washougal (WA) Washougal City of Yakima (WA) Yakima -City of Yelm (WA) + Yelm Clark County (WA) Vancouver Clark Public Utilities (WA) Vancouver Community College of Spokane (WA) Spokane Cowlitz County (WA) Kelso Eureka Fire Protection District No. 3 (WA) Prescott Family Services of Grant County (WA) Moses Lake Franklin Pierce School District (WA) Takoma Green River Community College (WA) Auburn Island County Emergency Services Communications Center (I-COM), WA Oak Harbor Kennewick Irrigation District (WA) Kennewick Kennewick School District (WA) Kennewick Key Peninsula Metropolitan Park District dba: Key Pen Parks (WA) Lakebay .. King County (WAY- Seattle King County Fire District 45 (WA) Duvall -- Kitsap Canty (WA) w Port Orchard Klickitat County (WA) Goldendale La Center School District (WA) La Center Lakehaven Utility District (WA) Federal Way -� Mason County (WA)-- Shelton Nine Mile Falls School District (WA) Nine Mile Falls Okanogan County (WA) Okanogan - Pierce County (WA)" Tacoma Pierce County Fire District 6 (WA) Tacoma Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 2 (WA) Lakewood Port of Everett (WA)w- Everett <. Port of Seattle (WA) - Seattle Port of Vancouver (WA) Vancouver Public Utilitiy District No. I of Chelan County (WA) Wenatchee Public Utility District No. I of Snohomish County (WA) Everett Puget Sound Residential Services (WA) Renton Renton School District No. 403 (WA) Renton Skagit County Public Utility District No_I (WA) Mount Vernon Skagit Transit (WA) Burlington Snohomish County Fire Protection District #3 (WA) Monroe Snohomish Comity Public Transportation (WA) Everett -- South Kitsap Fire & Rescue (WA) r^ Port Orchard Spokane Airport Board (WA) Spokane Spokane County (WA) Spokane Spokane County Fire Protection District 99 (WA) Mead Union Gap School District 92 (WA) Union Gap Whitman County (WA) Colfax Yakima County (WA) Yakima Using the Program:: HGACBuy Page 1 of 5 fitGAC&T THE SMART PURCHASING SOLUTION GENERAL PURPOSE COMMUNICATIONS GROUNDS PUBLIC EMERGENCY CO & EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES & PARKS WORKS EQUIPMENT LE. VEHICLES SERVICES EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES SE You are here: Home > Information About The Program > Using the Program INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM USING THE PROGRAM Types of Participating End Users: • Municipalities, Cities, Counties and State Agencies • Councils of Government • Schools, School Districts, Colleges, Universities • Hospitals and Hospital Districts • Emergency Medical Services and Services Districts • Volunteer Fire Departments and Rural Fire Prevention Districts • Special Law Enforcement Jurisdictions ■ Judicial Courts & Districts • Emergency Communications Districts • Utility Districts (MUDs, WCIDs, Irrigation, etc.) • Special Districts • Authorities (Airport, Port, River, Water, Toll Road, etc.) • State Agencies a Mot -for -Profit Corporations 1501(c)(3)] providing government functions and services. (Special requirements apply: See Program Info/Executing an Interlocal Contract with HGACBuy) The Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act ! Most States in the United States have either Interlocal Cooperation or Joint Powers authority to allow local governments in those states to join and participate in programs like HGACBuy. Click on i Authorizing Statutes on the HGACBuy web site to see what cooperative purchasing statutes exist in each state to allow for participation in HGACBuy. In 1971, the Texas Legislature passed the Interlocal Cooperation Act [Texas Government Code, Title 7, Chapter 791] to promote activities among local governments across Texas. Any local government or non-profit providing government services may contract or agree with one or more local governments under the terms of this Act to conduct purchasing and other administrative functions. The following excerpt from the Act states that... "The Interlocal Cooperation Act's purpose is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments by authorizing the fullest possible range of inter -governmental contracting authority at the local level including contracts between all political subdivisions of the state and agencies of the state. Legal Authority Governmental entities join IIGACtiuy by execution of an Interlocal Contract (ILC) which can be found /www.hgacbuy.org/program/using/default.aspx 7/ 17/2009 Using the Program:: HGACBuy Page 2 of 5 on the HGACBuy website under Program info. By executing the ILC, the End User represents and warrants to H-GAC that (t) it is eligible to contract with H-GAC under the Act because it is one of the following: a qualifying non-profit corporation, county, municipality, special district, or other political subdivision of the State of Texas, or another state, and (2) it possesses adequate legal authority to enter into this Contract. Scope of H-GAC's Professional Services When participating in HGACBuy, members make their purchase orders out to, and directly pay. the HGACBuy contractor. However, H-GAC does act as the designated purchasing agent on behalf of participating End Users by performing specific services including, but not limited to: • Conducting research and surveys • Developing specifications for each product/service • Soliciting vendor participation Issuing specifications documents • Conducting pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences • Opening bid/proposal responses " Evaluating responses • Issuing Vendor Contracts awarded by the H-GAC Board of Directors • Certifying contract validity • Contracts Administration Interlocal Contract Renewals Provisions of the Interlocal Cooperation Act provide for annual renewal of Interlocal Contracts. The contract document issued by HGACBuy contains a provision for automatic annual renewal. Unless an updated contract document is requested, or statutory change occurs, the initial enactment could remain in effect in perpetuity. A permanent identification number is assigned to each End User contract. Purchasing Statutes Applied to H-GAC Competitive Bid Process Products offered through HGACBuy have been subjected to either the competitive bid or competitive proposal format based on Texas statutes for Councils of Governments under the Local Government Code Chapter 252. The 76th Legislature, Regular Session, added language that stipulates Councils of Governments shall specifically use "municipal bidding statutes'. As administrator, H-GAC's rules of governance apply. In evaluating bid and proposal responses, HGACBuy takes into account any prospective contractor's ability to meet performance requirements. Factors considered include number and location of sales/service facilities, depth of staff, qualifications of technical support personnel, and business continuity. Contractors are expected to service all End Users participating in the Program wherever possible, practical, and not contrary to franchise or dealership agreements. H-GAC Board of Directors Awards All Contracts The Board of Directors composed of 35 elected officials awards all H-GAC cooperative purchasing contracts. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, Board agenda are publicly posted in advance of public meetings. Board meetings are customarily held on the third Tuesday of each month in H-GAC Conference Room A, Second floor, 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston. The Houston -Galveston Area i Council is one of Texas' 24 regional councils of governments. ht jp://www.hgacbuy.org/program/using/default.aspx 7/17/2009 Using the Program :: HGACBuy Page 3 of 5 Steps To Placing Purchase Orders Through HGACBuy Step 1: (first time only) Execute the "Interlocal Contract" (ILC) found on the HGACBuy website under Program Info, and return to II-GAC. H-GAC will sign two copies and return one to the End User for their records. The ILC may be faxed to 713-993-4548 for expedited processing. Step 2: Obtain specific product details from the HGACBuy website, wvw.HGACBuy.org . Then, contact the contractor's nearest representative for additional assistance and a definitive price quotation. Contractor information can be found at the bottom of each contracts web page tinder Products Available. Step g: Prepare and submit your purchase order directly to the relevant HGACBuy contractor, after completing consultation with the contractors representative. A copy of the order along with a copy of the contractors written quotation shall be faxed or mailed to 11GACBuy at FAX: 713-993-4548. Orders should include specific details regarding the purchase (i.e., name of the End User's contact person, slipping/delivery instructions, and installation details, if any). HGACBuy contractors will then invoice I:nd User for all purchases, and End User will pay the contractor directly following delivery and acceptance. NOTE: Performance Bond HGACBuy's contractual requirements no longer include a Performance Bond, and bid pricing should reflect this cost saving. However, Contractor must be prepared to offer a Performance Bond to cover any specific order, if so requested by End User. Contractor shall quote a price to End User for provision of any requested Performance Bond. If Performance Bond is requested by End User for a particular order, Contractor agrees to fiirnish the Performance Bond within ten (to) days of receipt of End User's purchase order. HGACBuy Order Confirmation On most contracts, when a copy of a purchase order is received (see Step 3 above), HGACBuy staff prepares an Order Confirmation which is then sent to the Member and the Contractor - authorizing the Contractor to proceed with the order. 'Phis Order Confirmation indicates that the Contractor does have a valid contract with HGACBuy for the products contained on the order. Actual pricing is not verified on the Order Confirmation. For pricing verification prior to issuing the purchase order, contact I IGACBuy staff. Remitting End User Payments For Products and Services Rendered The prompt payment requirements for products and services rendered through cooperative purchasing states that "...upon delivery of the goods and services purchased, and presentation by HGACBuy .hgacbuy.org/program/using/defauh.aspx 7/17/2009 Using the Program:: HGACBuy Page 4 of 5 contractor of a properly documented invoice, the End User sball promptly, and in any case within thirty (3o) days, pay the HGACBuy contractor the full amount of the invoice. All contracts between HGACBuy and its contractors require prompt payment upon delivery of products/services to an End User. Ownership Passes Directly From Contractors to End Users HGACBuy does not at any time take title to any product. Contractors assign ownership directly to End Users. Reimbursement of HGACBuy's Operational Costs The HGACBuy program is solely funded through the assessment of an administrative fee paid by the contractor on each order. End Users Invited to Attend Pre -Bid Conferences HGACBuy schedules publicly announced pre-bid/pre-proposal specification conferences with manufacturers, distributors, representatives, and dealers for the various product categories offered. These conferences, held throughout each year, are widely attended by the various industry groups represented in the Program. End Users are invited to attend these conferences also. See a listing of scheduled pre -bid conferences on the HGACBuy website under Bid Notices. 3-Way Partnership At Work The three-way partnership between HGACBuy, Program End Users, and Contractors is a very important relationship that provides vital links to ensure effective cooperative results. Clear, concise communication is essential to making the partnership effective and successflil. The contact path includes all three parties: HGACBuy, End User, and Contractor. H-GAC's Role: HGACBuy's role is to conduct product research and surveys, write technical specifications, conduct pre -bid conferences, open bids, and evaluate responses. After contracts are awarded by the H-GAC Board, HGACBuy certifies contract validity, and administers contracts. The End user's Role: End Users are expected to consult with Contractors' representatives for the purpose of determining the exact requirements needed to serve constituents. End Users work with Contractor's representatives to detail and complete all documentation required when submitting purchase orders. The Contractor's Role: HGACBuy relies upon its Contractors to quickly respond to End User inquiries that provide detailed product information and pricing, including priced options for specific products. Contractors' representatives work closely with each End User to meet specific constituent needs. H-GAC's Bid Notices .orgiprogram/using/default.aspx 7/17/2009 Using the Program:: HGACBuy Page 5 of 5 The Program's Coordinator for Specifications & Bids directs the bid/proposal cycle for products and services that HGACBuy desires to place under contract on behalf of Members. The near term schedule of procurements is posted on the HGACBuy website under Bid Notices. Distribution of H-GAC Product Specifications Product/service specifications and Invitations To Submit Competitive Bids/Proposals are distributed by email to all prospective responders that HGACBuy is aware of. The documents are also posted on the HGACBuy website, and the legally required notices are posted in newspapers, including minority - emphasis publications. End User Benefits HGACBuy offers significant benefits to participating End Users whether large, medium, or small size. ■ Expedited procurement • Volume purchasing discounts + ■ On -duty professional staff assistance ■ Research and development of technical specifications ■ Contract administration H-GAC Web Site 4 Information on products under contract through HGACBuy can be accessed through the web site. The I web site contains the following: ■ Product categories with base bid prices ■ Contractors' representatives with telephone numbers ■ H-GAC staff telephone numbers and e-mail addresses ■ isting of Specifications Conferences • Listing of Bid opening dates for each product category Contacting HGACBuy 3555 Timmons Ln, Suite 120 Houston, TX 77o27 1 Phone.800-926-0234 Fax:7►3-993-4548 Web: %vw%v.HGACBuv org Individual staff phone numbers and emails may be found on the HGACBuy website under Program Staff. ipyright © 2007 H-GAC. All Rights Reserved. .hgacbuy.org/program/using/default.aspx 7/17/2009 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :: HGACBuy Page 1 of 2 ONCBvy THE SMART PURCHASING SOLUTION GENERALPURPOSE COMMUNICATIONS GROUNDS & EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES &PARKS VEHICLES SERVICES EQUIPMENT You are here: Home > Information About The Program > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) Q: What is H-GAC? PUBLIC EMERGENCY CO WORKS EQUIPMENT LEi EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES SE A: The Houston -Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is a regional council of governments operating under the laws of the State of Texas and governed by a board comprised of 35 elected officials from the 13 county region. The H-GAC Board awards all contracts, which can then be made available to local governments nationwide thru HGACBuy. Q: How does HGACBuy work? A: Government entities join by executing an Interlocal Contract to participate in HGACBuy. This document sets out the conditions, requirements and processes through which an entity's purchase orders are received, confirmed to contract and processed. j Q: Can my entity purchase through HGACBuy? F A: The Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act permits joint participation by local governments, states, state agencies, and certain non-profit corporations. Most states have interlocal cooperation authority or other joint power provisions that allow participation in cooperative activities. Q: I have to advertise for bids therefore I can't purchase thru HGACBuy. A: HGACBuy uses mass circulation, minority emphasis print media, and internet services to post legal notices and bid solicitations. Therefore, posting of public notices to solicit bids and the formal competitive bid process are satisfied thru HGACBuy procedures. Q: What other services are offered through the HGACBuy program? A: Researching products, writing specifications, holding pre -bid conferences, assisting with order placement, contacting vendor reps, helping to resolve order issues, and reviewing and certifying purchase orders to confirm compliance with any specific HGACBuy contract. E Q: What is the difference between HGACBuy and some other cooperatives? A: HGACBuy is a unit of local government and a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The HGACBuy Program is over 30 years old and specializes in high ticket, capital intensive products and services that require technical, detailed specifications and extensive professional skills to evaluate bid responses. All products offered through HGACBuy have been awarded by virtue of a public competitive process. There are no annual membership dues required to purchase thru HGACBuy. Q: Where do I find information on products offered through HGACBuy? A: Access HGACBuy's web site at www.hgacbuy.org for a complete listing of products with descriptions hgacbuy.org/program/faq/default.aspx 7/17/2009 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :: HGACBuy Page 2 of 2 and prices and/or contractors and contacts. Q: What products are available thru HGACBuy? A: Primarily, products that are utilized in Public Safety, Public Works, and Communications, in addition to professional consulting, personnel and financing services. A wide variety of capital equipment is under contract, and thru a unique feature of HGACBuy it can be customized through the use of published and unpublished options to fit your specifications and requirements. Q: Can I purchase on-line? A: Because of the nature of most of the products and services we have under contract, we prefer that you speak with a contractor's representative and get a detailed price quote before placing an order. This is to insure that you get what you want, configured like you want it. Use the HGACBuy website to for basic information and to get the contractor's telephone and email address. After you receive your written quotation and have reviewed it, prepare your purchase order to the Contractor and fax a copy to HGACBuy. Q: What does it cost to join HGACBuy? How is HGACBuy funded? A. HGACBuy is a self -funded "Enterprise Fund" government agency, self -supported thru an administrative fee assessed to the contractor. An "Order Processing Charge" (Administrative Fee) will appear on quotation forms for purchases of motor vehicles in the State of Texas in accordance with State of Texas, Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles requirements. Q: What are the benefits of HGACBuy? I want to inform my elected officials and staff: A: We give you access to volume purchasing and discounts. • We put over 200 years of combined purchasing experience to work on your behalf. • We write technical specifications eliminate the need to hire consultants for that purpose. • We absorb the costs associated with publishing legal notices. • We offer you an expedited procurement process so you need not be delayed for months preparing specifications and satisfying all of the other requirements for competitive bids and proposals. For more information, contact us: HGACBuy i3555 Timmons Lane; Suite 120 Houston, TX 77027 Phone: (800) 926-0234 f Fax: (713) 993-4548 Web: www.hgaebuy.org CIpyright © 2007 H-GAC. All Rights Reserved. h p://www.hgacbuy.org/program/faq/default.aspx 7/17/2009