XL EagleTIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS/TAPS))
TIPS stands for The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS/TAPS). TIPS is a cooperative purchasing program run by a Texas regional education service center. It competitively awards contracts that member agencies, including school districts, cities, counties, and other public entities, can buy from. You will often see it written as TIPS/TAPS on older documents and purchase orders.
Vendors win TIPS contracts by responding to its solicitations. Member agencies then issue purchase orders to awarded vendors under the TIPS contract instead of running their own bid, if their rules allow.
Why it matters to a small contractor
TIPS covers many categories that matter to trades, such as facilities, construction-related services, and maintenance. A TIPS award can make it easier for a Texas school district to hire you without a separate local bid.
Example
A small HVAC company holds a TIPS award for mechanical services. A school district nearby needs rooftop units replaced over the summer and issues a purchase order under the TIPS contract, saving weeks of bidding time.
TIPS: common questions
Is TIPS only for Texas?
It is based in Texas, but members from other states can join where their laws allow cooperative purchasing.
Does a TIPS award guarantee work?
No. It is a vehicle. You still need to win the buyer's trust and quote each project.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →