As required by
Article 28A of the School Code, the Illinois State Board of Education created the Education Purchasing Program (EPP). The State Superintendent of Education, in partnership with the Chief Procurement Office, has acted to form and designate statewide education master contracts for key categories identified and defined by the State Board.
The EPP does the following:
- Provides master contract information and pricing to school districts
- Affords school districts a simplified process to contract with vendors who have already been evaluated through a fair and competitive process for a variety of products and services.
By utilizing these contracts, school districts can secure discounted pricing and greater value from the supply base all while saving time and taxpayer dollars.
Participation in the EPP contracts shall be at the sole option of school districts and school districts shall be solely responsible for any obligations incurred as a result of their participation. State master contracts authorized under Article 28A of the Illinois School Code are included as an exemption in the Contracts Provision of the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21(xv), however school districts should consult with legal counsel before utilizing the EPP contracts.