Bidding Cooperatives

Pursuant to Section 10-20.21 of the School Code, school districts must let for competitive bidding any contract in excess of $25,000, subject to certain exceptions provided in the statute. However, there is not currently a valid exception which allows for bidding cooperatives to be exempt from these bidding requirements.

 

Without question, utilizing bidding cooperatives for purchases that are below the threshold is acceptable and has been encouraged by and sponsored by various organizations, including the Illinois Association of School Boards. However, these organizations also caution that school districts should obtain an opinion from their board attorney to determine whether an exemption from the bidding mandate applies prior to making a purchase from a bidding cooperative in excess of $25,000.