Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Purchasing

Question:
We have heard there is a new program available through the MML where local units of government can purchase on national contracts at very good prices. Can you provide us with the information?

Answer:
The League provides cities with access to the lowest costs for purchasing certain goods through the U. S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance. (U. S. Communities). U. S. Communities was designed in cooperation with an Advisory Board of local government purchasing officials. U. S. Communities pools the purchasing power of public agencies, achieves bulk volume discounts on behalf of public agencies, competitively bids quality products through a lead public agency and provides a purchasing forum for public agencies nationwide.

US Communities was co-founded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), the National League of Cities (NLC), and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM).

For low cost purchasing opportunities visit the U. S. Communities web site at www.uscommunities.org.

Question:
Is there a government store in Lansing where municipalities can make purchases?

Answer:
Municipal entities can purchase a wide variety of goods from the State of Michigan through four purchasing programs.

• The Extended Purchasing Program. A joint purchasing program that allows members to purchase goods for the same price as paid by the State. Contact Penny Saites, Office of Purchasing, (517) 373-7324. 

• State Surplus Property. Municipalities can get on the auction mailing list by contacting Bill Kullimore at (517) 335-8444. 

• Michigan State Industries. Governmental entities and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations can purchase goods and services produced at correctional institutions. Call (517) 373-4277 to receive a catalog. 

• Department of Management and Budget Warehouse. The warehouse has building and maintenance supplies and forms and publications. It is located at 7285 Parsons Drive, Secondary Complex, Lansing MI 48913. Please call first to make an appointment at (517) 322-5168.