| WHAT IS M.A.P.O.? The Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (M.A.P.O.) was organized in 1989 for the sole purpose of obtaining the highest level of value for taxpayers by collectively issuing solicitations for goods and services commonly required by local government agencies. M.A.P.O. membership is open to all state, municipal, county, special district, school district or other local area government agencies throughout Colorado. The M.A.P.O. group is comprised of government purchasing agents or those representatives responsible for the purchasing function. M.A.P.O. welcomes agencies of all sizes and structures. There are no fees required for membership. HOW DOES M.A.P.O. WORK? M.A.P.O. holds meetings on a monthly basis. The membership identifies goods and services representing substantially similar needs for a number of agencies. Member agencies are free to decline participation based on their individual requirements. During the competitive process, a host agency is chosen and is responsible for the issuance of a formal solicitation and any communication thereof on behalf of the collective members. A contact name and telephone number will appear in each competitive document. M.A.P.O. solicitations are structured to provide uniform terms and conditions while maintaining a level of flexability that allows each agency to provide some individualized specification. Solicitations are publicly advertised in addition to the partcipating agencies submitting requirements for inclusion. While direct mailings are not guaranteed, the benefits of soliciting to a wide competitive base will result in a reasonable effort to notify as many potential suppliers as possible. While offers are tabulated by the host agency, the membership makes a recommendation for award based on the criteria and selection terms provided in the solicitation. Participating agencies may award collectively or separately, based upon the best interests of the agencies involved. Successful firm(s) work separately with each participating agencyto finalize individual agreements. All ordering, delivery, and payments are conducted with the individual M.A.PO. partcipants. It is the goal of the Mulitiple Assembly of Procurement Officials to protect the public trust through intergovernmental cooperation, intelligent action and fair dealing. M.A.P.O. representatives are committed to these cooperative efforts that will ultimately result in reduced costs for quality goods and services, and will provide colletive benefits to the entire membership. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? If you are a local agency interested in membership or a supplier wishing to do business with M.A.P.O., simply contact any member agency that is listed on the participating agencies page. This contact will answer your questions or direct you in an appropriate manner. . M.A.P.O. operates in accordance with professional and ethical standars as set forth by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and by the National Association of Purchasing Management. M.A.P.O. also benefits from on-going relationshops with the State Purchasing Office, Division of Finance and Procurement, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government, the Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association and the Cooperative Educational Purchasing Council. |