Helpful Video to Explain Cooperative Purchasing
by Admin Team
Have you been searching for a simple way to explain cooperative purchasing? We have a solution!
We developed a short video that explains the basics of cooperative purchasing. It’s designed to be a tool for you to share with your users, administrators, board members, and vendors when they ask, “What is Cooperative Purchasing?”
Simply share this link with them: https://mesc.org/k-12-cooperative-purchasing-programs/ and then follow up to see if they have additional questions.
We developed this video with our K-12 members in mind, but we would be happy to develop something similar for our other members upon request. Please reach out to us at lari@mesc.org with any feedback or questions.
Upcoming Changes to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Effective October 1, 2024
by Contracts Team
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released upcoming updates to the CFR, which are to be included in any awarded contract using Federal funding effective October 1, 2024.
With a focus on maintaining compliant contracts, Mohave has reviewed the changes to the CFR and updated our solicitation templates, as applicable, to include the updated requirements. Mohave will be including the applicable changes to our awarded contracts that will go into effect on or after October 1, 2024.
Please reach out to contracts@mesc.org if you have questions about the specific changes we have made to our solicitation templates.
Mohave 101 with Summit West Signs
by Engagement Team
Mohave was excited to visit Summit West Signs at their headquarters and manufacturing facility in Mesa in July. Mohave reviewed our processes for their new staff and had a brainstorming session to enhance contract management. Mohave meets with our contract vendors for training and collaborating to build and maintain successful partnerships. This helps to provide great customer service for our membership.
If you are interested in Mohave visiting your team for vendor training, contact contracts@mesc.org or for member training contact erin@mesc.org. Let’s get you scheduled to help streamline your procurements.
What is Job Order Contracting (JOC)?
by Sherry Jimenez and Erin Gordon
In Arizona, a Job Order Contract (JOC) is an alternative construction project delivery method utilized primarily for repair, maintenance, renovation, and small to medium-sized new construction projects. It allows for assigning an “on-call” contractor to perform various tasks based on a competitive, transparent pricing structure.
JOCs are governed by specific rules and regulations found in the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC), particularly from R7-2-1100 to R7-2-1115. These regulations outline the framework for how JOCs should be implemented, ensuring accountability, compliance, and proper management of public construction projects.
Before starting a JOC project, the method of pricing must be chosen.
- Unit Price Book (UPB): Predefined pricing structures based on a UPB, such as RS Means or TRASER.
- Coefficients apply discounts or adjustments to the UPB.
- Specialty items not found in the UPB may be added with evidence of MSRP pricing.
- TRASER pricing is used typically for HVAC/Plumbing maintenance and small repair under an awarded JOC contract.
- Open Book Pricing: An alternative to using UPB, where the contract vendor obtains three quotes from subcontractors for each discipline for the project.
- General and administrative costs may be added to the project. These can include project management labor rates and additional items such as temporary fencing, dumpster rental, project signage, etc.
What should I look for on my JOC quote?
In addition to the core components of the quote such as date, item number, description, quantity, unit price, and grand total, look for the following items on your JOC quote:
| UPB Quote | Open Book Quote |
|---|---|
| UPB book used | List of division/specialty’s |
| City cost index (CCI) first 3 digits of zip code | 3 subcontractor quotes per discipline |
| Applicable bond and permits | Explanation if less then 3 quotes are obtained |
| Coefficient | Additional fees – permits, rentals |
Keys to Success on Job Order Contracts:
- Verify Contractor’s license with the AZ Registrar of Contractors
- Obtain a Certificate of Insurance in your agency’s name
- Obtain applicable performance and payment bonds
- Verify substantial & final completion dates
- Verify Liquidated Damages if completion dates are critical
- Issue a Written Determination as required in R7-2-1004