Implement
Public Institutions: Enter Purchasing Commitments
- Public Institution
- Self-Operated
Introduction
Strong relationships with vendors based on trust and shared goals are essential for an institution to develop a robust and long-lasting values-based procurement program. These relationships often take the form of purchasing commitments. On this page, you can:
- Explore strategies for implementing values-based purchasing with both traditional vendors and values-based vendors.
- Review model recommendations and language for tailoring formal solicitations to identify vendors that align with values-based purchasing goals.
- Learn about different types of purchasing commitments, including forward purchasing commitments.
Keep In Mind:
This section does not detail everything needed to enter purchasing agreements, but instead focuses on incorporating values-based purchasing into agreements.
Guiding Activities
Purchasing from a Traditional Distributor
Most of a public institution’s purchasing occurs through a broadline, or “traditional,” distributor. While values-based purchasing is not typically central to these purchasing relationships, there are several ways to further values-based purchasing goals even when working with a traditional distributor.
Buying Directly from Values-Based Vendors
Institutions can also buy food directly from values-based vendors by using single purchase orders, standing purchase orders, and forward purchasing commitments. These purchases can be arranged through formal or informal solicitations.