AEPA Oregon – Frequently Asked Questions

What is AEPA?

AEPA (Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies) is a national cooperative purchasing organization that allows public education institutions and public agencies to access competitively bid, fully compliant contracts—saving time and money while meeting procurement requirements.

How does AEPA work?

AEPA member agencies from across the country collaborate to develop, advertise, and evaluate bids. Contracts are awarded through a formal multi-state review process, then locally approved and administered in Oregon by IMESD.

Are AEPA contracts competitively bid?

Yes. All AEPA contracts are the result of a rigorous, competitive solicitation process that includes public advertising, formal evaluation, and documented award procedures.

Were the bids advertised in Oregon?

Yes. AEPA solicitations are publicly advertised in Oregon, including publication in the Daily Journal of Commerce and on official IMESD and AEPA websites.

Are AEPA contracts compliant with Oregon law?

Yes. AEPA contracts are structured to meet Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 279A) and include required public contracting provisions such as prevailing wage, bonding, licensure, and subcontractor requirements. IMESD and legal counsel have reviewed the program for compliance with cooperative procurement laws.

Who can use AEPA contracts?

AEPA contracts are available to a wide range of public entities in Oregon, including:

• K–12 school districts
• Education service districts
• Community colleges and universities
• Cities, counties, and state agencies
• Special districts and other public entities

Do we still need to run our own bid?

No. The competitive bidding process has already been completed on your behalf, allowing you to purchase directly from awarded AEPA contracts while still meeting procurement requirements (subject to your local policies).

Do we need to join or pay a fee?

No. There is no cost, membership fee, or annual dues to use AEPA contracts.

How is AEPA funded?

IMESD’s administration of AEPA is supported by a small administrative fee paid by vendors, built into contract pricing.

How does AEPA benefit Oregon K12 students?

Unlike other cooperatives, AEPA (through IMESD) reinvests administrative fee revenue directly back into programs and services that support K12 students in IMESD’s four-county region of Northeast Oregon, making your purchasing decisions an investment in local schools.

Do we still need internal approval?

Yes. Each agency should follow its own internal procurement policies and may wish to review AEPA contracts with business or legal staff to ensure alignment with local requirements.

Who do we contact for help?

IMESD serves as the AEPA Contract Administrator for Oregon and is available to assist with:

• Contract details
• Compliance questions
• Documentation requests
• Vendor connections