What a cooperative contract is
A purchasing cooperative runs one competitive solicitation on behalf of its members and awards contracts that any member can use. When a member buys from an awarded vendor, the cooperative's competition stands in for the member's own bid. In Texas, Local Government Code 271.102 says a local government that purchases goods or services through a cooperative purchasing program satisfies any state law requiring it to seek competitive bids. Other states have their own statutes and thresholds; your purchasing office will know which cooperatives your agency has joined.
Which vehicles EliteTrax can deliver through
- EPIC6 (Region 6 Education Service Center, Texas). EliteTrax was awarded the EPIC6 cooperative contract under RFP 5.27, Sports Facilities and Surfaces, in 2026. Texas school districts, cities, counties and other EPIC6 members can purchase court construction and resurfacing through it.
- Laykold manufacturer cooperatives. Laykold's manufacturer holds cooperative contracts including Sourcewell, OMNIA Partners, Equalis and TexBuy. As an authorized Laykold dealer, EliteTrax can deliver Laykold systems through those contracts where your agency participates.
- Agency term contracts. Birdville ISD athletic equipment and services term contract, awarded August 2026. Coppell ISD approved vendor.
EliteTrax is not on every cooperative. If your agency uses a vehicle not listed here, ask; we will tell you plainly whether we can deliver through it or whether your own solicitation is the right path.
How a cooperative purchase runs, step by step
- Confirm membership. Your purchasing office confirms the agency is a member of the cooperative (joining is usually a free interlocal agreement).
- Assessment and scope. Send photos and an address, or we walk the site. You get a scope that names the system, the preparation and the crack treatment.
- Quote referencing the contract. The proposal cites the cooperative contract number and is priced within the contract's pricing. Cooperative pricing is a ceiling; our quote is at or below it.
- Internal approval. Your board or council approves the purchase per your policy (many agencies require board approval above a dollar threshold even on a cooperative purchase).
- Purchase order. The PO references the cooperative contract. No bid advertisement, no bid opening.
- Delivery and closeout. Daily photo records, a walk with you before final acceptance, invoicing against the PO by milestone or on completion.
When a cooperative is the wrong tool
Large reconstruction projects with site work, lighting and parking are often better served by your own competitive solicitation, because a prime general contractor and multiple trades are involved and your board will want the bid tab. EliteTrax bids those as prime on court-only scopes and as a court subcontractor to general contractors on larger park and facility projects. Resurfacing, repair and conversions are where cooperative purchasing saves the most time.
What to ask any vendor on a cooperative contract
- Which contract, which number, and is the vendor the awarded party or delivering through a manufacturer's award?
- Does the quote cite the contract and stay within its pricing?
- Who installs, and are they the manufacturer's authorized applicator?
- What references from similar public owners are available? Ours include University of Oklahoma Athletics and Procurement and the City of Schertz, with more on request.
Request a bid package and you will get the capability statement, W-9, certificate of insurance, references and the EPIC6 contract information in one email.
Questions
Is EliteTrax on BuyBoard?
No. EliteTrax is not currently a BuyBoard vendor. Texas agencies can buy from us through EPIC6, and Laykold systems can be delivered through the manufacturer's cooperative contracts.
Does cooperative pricing cost more?
Cooperative contract pricing is a ceiling, not a floor. Our quotes are at or below it, and the agency saves the cost and the weeks of running its own solicitation.
Can an Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri or Kansas agency use a cooperative?
Yes, where the agency participates in a national cooperative such as Sourcewell or OMNIA Partners and state law allows it. Your purchasing office confirms membership; we confirm the vehicle and quote against it.
Sources
- Texas Local Government Code 271.102, Cooperative Purchasing Program Participation: statute text.
- EPIC6, Region 6 Education Service Center purchasing cooperative, RFP 5.27 Sports Facilities and Surfaces, awarded to EliteTrax 2026 (award on file at EliteTrax).
- Mansfield ISD board item, February 2026, tennis court resurfacing purchased through cooperative contracts: board document.
- City of Little Rock, AR, Board of Directors, April 2026, tennis court resurfacing purchased through a Sourcewell contract: board communication.