Make the Most of Your Purchasing Power

Abstract

The expansion and maintenance of building systems on educational campuses require huge financial expenditures. Public schools and colleges must make the most of each available dollar. The combination of effective building systems master planning and purchasing standardization program management (PSPM) maximizes purchasing power. Proper building systems master planning helps owners get what they want from buildings with greater opportunity for success. Master planning yields benefits in budgeting, staffing, equipment, and opportunities for standardization. PSPM is a strategy utilizing the “buy now-pay later” concept. Equipment is pre-selected and prepriced for projects as outlined in building systems master plans, and, frequently, in bond programs. Bulk purchasing and standardization, while normally thought of in reference to office and cleaning supplies, can also be applied to big-ticket items. The result is reduced first costs and a domino effect of other savings. Case studies will be presented from Texas school districts that demonstrate successful building systems master planning and PSPM programs. The authors' experience in assisting Texas ISDs implement these programs will also be shared.