ASPIN Launches GDSN Connect to Streamline Nutrition Data for Program Users
by ASPIN Team
ASPIN is excited to announce the deployment of GDSN Connect as a value-added feature for program users. This powerful solution is designed to streamline product nutrition data synchronization for our valued members. With GDSN Connect, members will be able to access accurate, up-to-date product information through the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN).
Advantages of GDSN Connect:
- ✔ Real-Time Data Sync – Largest K-12 nutritional database allows food suppliers to provide accurate current information seamlessly to end users.
- ✔ Compliance and Transparency – Comply with industry and regulatory data requirements by ensuring the latest nutritional value, ingredients, and allergens for the foods being served meet program regulations.
- ✔ Enhanced Product Specifications – Standardized product attributes ensure high-quality data for detailed product specifications.
Strengthening Partnerships – Mohave’s Visit to Freightliner dba BusWest
by Compliance Team
Mohave staff recently visited one of our bus vendors, BusWest, at their Tolleson, Arizona location. This visit gave us the opportunity to tour their office, expansive warehouse, and service shop, providing valuable insight into their highly efficient daily operations. We also had the chance to meet their dedicated and skilled team, further strengthening our partnership.
During our visit, we introduced new BusWest team members to how the Mohave contract works and provided a brief training session. Additionally, we discussed areas where we can enhance support for the BusWest team, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed for success. This visit also allowed us to openly share industry challenges—public procurement for us and transportation for them—fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s work. Collaboration is key to continuous improvement, and we explored future opportunities to improve our contracts and processes. We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with our vendors in person and engage in meaningful discussions that benefit both sides. If you’re a Mohave vendor and would like to host our team for an onsite visit, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Erin Gordon at 928-718-3216 or erin@mesc.org to schedule a visit.
Tips on How to Promote
Your Contract
by Engagement Team
At the 2025 AASBO Vendor/Buyer Conference, there was a great discussion on how to proceed once your firm is awarded a contract to a public agency. Here are a few highlights to consider:
Do you know who to contact and how to begin?
- Start with procurement officers and identify the key stakeholders you would be working with for your contract.
- Review the language in your contract to comply with awarded terms, conditions, pricing, and any federal, state, and city guidelines set by procurement regulations. Do this especially if someone else in your firm prepared your solicitation response.
What questions should you ask?
- How can we improve collaboration between key stakeholders to share our contract offerings?
- How can I promote my contract without physically visiting the agency with different departments?
- Are there any special reporting requirements?
- Are there any requirements for visiting your facility?
Common pitfalls
- Don’t neglect follow-up. Develop a contact plan of who to contact, how often to contact, and preferred communication method.
- Avoid overpromising and be honest about what you and your firm can provide under the awarded contract.
Marketing your contract
- Market your contract through website and targeted marketing materials.
- Focus on long-term value of the contract (not the immediate sale).
- Be aware of how often you perform follow-up emails and phone calls. Listen to the public agency for information about future business opportunities and when to respond. Don’t treat the agency as a robocall that you’re checking off your call list.
- Be aware of budget and procurement timelines to align your marketing efforts appropriately with different government agencies.
- Ask for feedback and use it to improve your offerings and approach. This shows your firm’s interest in being a better partner.
Collaboration
- Ask how your firm can participate as a business associate or firm representative at special events or conferences.
- Find out if there are opportunities to sponsor activities at conferences or present an educational session.
- Ask which conferences the agency attends, and determine which ones provide the best return on investment for your firm. One size does not fit all.
What to Do When a Contract You’re Using Expires?
by Compliance Team
If you have an ongoing procurement and the cooperative contract expires, do you know what steps to take? Understanding how Mohave handles contract expirations ensures smooth operations and minimizes disruptions.
The process Mohave follows depends on the type of purchase:
Blanket Purchase Orders (BPOs)
- Any purchases initiated on a BPO before the contract expiration date will be completed under the expired contract.
- New orders will not be allowed once the contract expires.
- If the vendor has been awarded a new contract, Mohave allows two options:
- Revise your BPO to reflect the new contract number.
- Cancel the current BPO and create a new one under the new contract.
Standard Orders or Quoted Purchases
- Orders for specific items or services will be completed under the expired contract.
- Change orders:
- Mohave will allow a change order within the original project scope of work to proceed using the vendor’s last approved pricing.
- Mohave will not allow a change order outside the original project scope of work to proceed under an expired contract.
Proactive planning helps prevent last-minute complications by ensuring a smooth transition. Mohave plans for contract expiration by notifying vendors in advance, giving them the opportunity to compete for a new award. If a vendor is not awarded a new contract, they must complete any outstanding work under the current agreement, but no new orders will be accepted after expiration. Mohave also alerts members about upcoming contract expirations, so they can plan accordingly.
Engaging early with vendors, understanding their capabilities, and coordinating with stakeholders are essential steps to maintaining continuity and efficient operations post-contract. By staying ahead of contract expirations, organizations can maintain compliance, minimize procurement disruptions, and ensure efficient service delivery.
Contract Vendors: The State of Arizona Has Revised Travel Rates
by Contracts Team
Does your Mohave contract use State of Arizona rates for travel reimbursements? The State of Arizona has revised the Maximum Mileage, Lodging, Meal, Parking and Incidental Expense Reimbursement Rates, effective January 27, 2025. It is important that a vendor whose contract uses current Arizona state travel rates begin quoting and applying any applicable travel charges using the updated travel rates.
The current applicable travel rates are found on the Arizona Government website; Arizona General Accounting Office; State of Arizona Accounting Manual – Travel Policy: Section IID – Section II: https://gao.az.gov/travel/welcome-gao-travel. There is a Travel Quick Link that will take you to the Travel Policy. Rates are found under 50 Travel: Section 95 – Maximum Mileage, Lodging, Meal, Parking and Incidental Expense Reimbursement Rates (direct link to policy).
If you have any questions regarding your contract pricing for travel, please reach out to your assigned Contract Specialist directly, or email us at contracts@mesc.org. We can also be reached at 928-753-6945.
Thank you for being a Mohave Contract Vendor and safe travels.