Simplify Purchasing for Your Next Education Project
Schools and public institutions don’t always need to go through a lengthy traditional bidding process to create high-quality learning environments. Through approved state and cooperative purchasing contracts, eligible organizations can purchase furniture, casework, laboratory systems, and related services from Longo Associates using established, competitively awarded contracts.
Longo participates in purchasing contracts that help schools and public institutions streamline procurement while gaining access to high-quality products from trusted manufacturers.
Why Purchase Through a Cooperative Contract?
Purchasing through an approved state or cooperative contract can make it easier to move an education project from planning to installation.
- Streamlined procurement: Purchase through an already-established contract rather than conducting a separate bid process.
- No general contractor required for furniture procurement: Work more directly with Longo on eligible furniture, casework, and equipment purchases.
- Better control over product quality: Choose proven products and manufacturers rather than allowing a low-bid process to dictate the furniture used in your learning environment.
- Access to specialized solutions: Procure products designed specifically for science, STEM, art, culinary arts, and other education environments.
- Space planning support: Work with Longo to develop spaces around your educational, functional, and facility requirements.
- A more efficient purchasing process: Reduce procurement complexity while working within an established purchasing framework.
Contract requirements and purchasing procedures vary by organization and location. Longo can help you identify the appropriate contract for your project.
ESCNJ
Educational Services Commission of New Jersey
For eligible New Jersey ESCNJ members
Longo Associates offers education furniture and related solutions through the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) cooperative purchasing program.
As a cooperative purchasing option for New Jersey schools and public institutions, ESCNJ provides eligible members with a streamlined way to purchase approved products and services through an established contract.
Contract Details
Contract Title: Furniture & Accessories
Contract Number: ESCNJ 22/23-08
Contract Term: July 2, 2022 – July 1, 2024; extended to July 1, 2025; extended to March 31, 2026; extended to June 30, 2026 or until a new bid is awarded
Eligibility: New Jersey – ESCNJ Membership
Awarded Manufacturers: Labscape and Sheldon Laboratory Systems
MHEC
Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium
For eligible members in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
Through the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC), eligible institutions throughout New England can purchase laboratory, science, STEM, art, and culinary learning-environment solutions from Longo through an established cooperative contract.
Contract Details
Contract Title: Laboratory & Science Supplies, Equipment and Services
Contract Number: MC14-D
Contract Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031
Eligibility: MHEC members in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
Awarded Manufacturers: Labscape and Sheldon Laboratory Systems – Diversified Casework
TIPS
The Interlocal Purchasing System
Longo also participates in TIPS cooperative purchasing opportunities, providing another purchasing path for eligible schools and public institutions.
// Frequently Asked
Questions
What is a cooperative purchasing contract?
A cooperative purchasing contract is a competitively awarded contract that eligible public institutions can use to purchase approved products and services without conducting a separate procurement process of their own. Eligibility and purchasing requirements vary by contract and organization.
Can schools purchase furniture without going out to bid?
Eligible schools may be able to purchase through an approved cooperative or state contract instead of issuing a separate bid. Longo can help determine which available contract may apply to your organization and project.
Do schools need a general contractor to purchase through a cooperative contract?
For eligible furniture, casework, laboratory systems, and related purchases, schools may be able to work directly with Longo rather than purchasing through a general contractor. Project requirements can vary, so Longo can help review the appropriate purchasing path.
Which purchasing contracts does Longo Associates participate in?
Longo participates in purchasing programs including ESCNJ and MHEC, with TIPS contract information to be added. Contract availability and eligibility depend on the institution and location.
Not Sure Which Purchasing Contract Applies to Your Project?
Longo can help you determine which purchasing contract may be available to your school or institution, identify eligible products and manufacturers, and guide you through the process.