A message from the Comptroller
In less than two years since we launched the TxSmartBuy.com online ordering system, state agencies and local governments have ordered more than $1 billion in products. It’s part of the Comptroller’s Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) Division’s ongoing effort to modernize government purchasing to make the most effective use of taxpayer dollars.
In parallel with online ordering, TPASS continues to negotiate contracts that will meet the needs of state and local governments. Smart purchasers have learned over the years that a bulk purchase typically means leaner pricing; the State of Texas CO-OP, the Texas Association of School Boards’ BuyBoard and other co-operatives prove day-in, day-out that leveraging the power of volume buying pays off for every customer. And by comparison shopping among the available co-ops, government entities – just like individuals shopping the sales flyers – are finding savings that benefit their bottom line.
Some of the highest-value TxSmartBuy spending categories are for contracts specifically targeted to achieve savings. Our Strategic Sourcing Division has worked with road aggregate suppliers, vehicle dealers and copier leasing companies, among others, to set contracts that entities can latch onto without having to bid themselves. Taking it one step further, we’ve found that prompt, follow-up contact is a great way to detect if buyers have any issues that need to be dealt with promptly and effectively.
Tax dollars can be saved by improving many aspects of an operation, not least by cutting energy costs. That’s the message of the State Energy Conservation Office: real change can create real savings. To that end, new online training tools have been developed to help builders and contractors understand changes to the Texas Building Energy Code that will help builders, engineers and architects build to higher energy-saving standards.
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