California
California's Joint Exercise of Powers Act — particularly Government Code §6502 — provides the foundational authority for cooperative purchasing, allowing public agencies to jointly exercise common powers including procurement.
Joint Exercise of Powers Act Cal. Gov't Code §6502
"If authorized by their legislative or other governing bodies, two or more public agencies by agreement may jointly exercise any power common to the contracting parties, including, but not limited to, the authority to levy a fee, assessment, or tax, even though one or more of the contracting agencies may be located outside this state."
— Cal. Gov't Code §6502, Joint Exercise of Powers Act
Plain-language summary
California's approach to cooperative purchasing is rooted in the Joint Exercise of Powers Act (Government Code §§6500-6536), which authorizes two or more public agencies to jointly exercise any power common to the contracting parties. Because purchasing is a power common to public agencies, this includes cooperative procurement. The act defines "public agency" broadly to include the federal government, this state and other states, counties, cities, school districts, public corporations and districts, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and joint powers authorities. Notably, agencies located outside California may also participate, enabling California public entities to use nationally administered cooperative contracts.
Key requirements
- →Authorization from the legislative or governing body of each participating public agency.
- →An agreement between the participating agencies that specifies the powers being jointly exercised.
- →The power being exercised must be common to all contracting parties (purchasing typically qualifies).
- →For school district purchases specifically, additional authority exists under Public Contract Code §20118.
- →State agency contracts may require Department of General Services approval where applicable.
Construction services
While §6502 provides general authority, California also has more specific provisions for school district cooperative purchasing under Public Contract Code §20118, which permits school district governing boards to authorize public corporations or agencies — including counties, cities, towns, or districts — to lease or purchase equipment, supplies, materials, automotive vehicles, and other personal property without further competitive bidding, in the same manner the public corporation or agency conducts its own purchasing.
How California agencies access our contracts.
LNC holds multiple cooperative purchasing contracts through OMNIA Partners and Region 14 ESC Texas, all of which are available to public agencies in California under Cal. Gov't Code §6502.
Your agency can use our contracts to procure construction services through certified Affiliate Vendors. Every Affiliate proposal is audited and certified by LNC before reaching you.
Talk to LNC About Your Project →This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. California's procurement code may have been amended since this content was prepared. Confirm the current text of Cal. Gov't Code §6502 and consult your jurisdiction's legal counsel before relying on this authority for a specific procurement.