Throughout the year, the COSTARS team creates webinars on various topics for our members and other organizations eligible for membership. Below are the recordings from this year's schedule. Click on the video title to watch.
- COSTARS: Search Contracts Like a Pro! - Identifying what you need to purchase is step one in the procurement process. Knowing where to find competitively priced materials and services makes all the difference in a successful procurement when thinking how it affects an organization's budget. This is a must-see session for new COSTARS members and member organizations with staff that is new to the program! Attendees will learn how to search both COSTARS-exclusive and statewide, COSTARS-participating contracts like a pro in addition to learning how to maximize your negotiating power!
- COSTARS: Simplified Procurement - The purchasing process for local public procurement units is a laborious activity. Between the investment of time and additional costs spent on the public bidding process, the responsibilities of a procurement professional can be a drain on your resources. Did you ever wonder if there is an easier way to purchase the supplies and services you need? Wonder no more! COSTARS provides you with an efficient and cost-effective procurement strategy that is hassle-free! Attendees of this session will learn how to find and leverage both COSTARS-exclusive and program-participating statewide contracts to save you time and costs in procurement.
- COSTARS: Statewide Credit Card Services – Earn As You Spend! - Last fall, the COSTARS team presented a session on statewide contracts being potential missing pieces in the procurement process of COSTARS members. One statewide contract COSTARS members may utilize is the Credit Card Services contract #4400017788. Participants of the US Bank card services contract save based on the overall combined spend volume of all participating members rather than individual organizations being required to spend a certain amount before rebates kick-in. Participants also have access to real-time online data to generate reports and analytics for efficient auditing of payments, purchasing and fraud or misuse detection.
- Statewide Contracts - Missing Pieces - Many COSTARS members actively use COSTARS-exclusive contracts to purchase competitively priced products and services. If you do not also utilize the statewide, COSTARS-participating contracts in your procurement strategy, this is a must-see session! Members have access to many statewide contracts that provide them with more procurement options and maximize their negotiating power. We'll explore these missing pieces to complete your procurement puzzle!
- Navigating the Sodium Chloride Program - The Sodium Chloride (Bulk Road Salt) contract is one of hte most-used contracts by COSTARS members. It is also the contract we receive the most questions about through our customer service phone number and email account.
- Level Up: Become a COSTARS Superstar! - Many organizations have been a COSTARS member for years but still aren't aware of all facets of the program to make their procurement process efficient and effective. When in need of a product or service, can you locate a COSTARS contract with speed and confidence? Do you know how the information in your member profile affects your awareness of program updates? Do you participate in the statewide Sodium Chloride (Bulk Road Salt) program but aren't sure of deadlines and requirements of participation? Do you know how to gain the best value during the quoting process - which may not be the lowest priced quote?
- Energize Your Budget with COSTARS and PSFEI - In this recording, viewers will learn how to experience certainty in their energy budgets as PSFEI's Electricity Procurement Services Program safeguards participants from price fluctuations.
- Procurated: Capitalizing on the Experiences of Your Procurement Community - Viewers will learn how to utilize Procurated, a comprehensive vendor performance management tool, and find out why Procurated is a valuable resource for them to include in their procurement strategy.
- COSTARS: Technology Roadmap - Viewers will learn about technology that will help them serve their communities more efficiently and effectively.
- Going Green: COSTARS Contracts that Save Your Green - In this session, viewers will explore contracts to support green initiatives while being budget-friendly
- COSTARS: Communications Solutions - This session explores key communication strategies and contracts available to COSTARS members to help improve how the viewer's message is conveyed and received.
