For fire departments working under tight budgets, limited staffing, and strict procurement rules, finding the right equipment and services can be a challenge. Cooperative purchasing offers a smart, efficient way to save time, reduce administrative burden, and secure the best value — all while staying compliant with purchasing regulations.
Let’s break down how it works, which agencies support it, and why your department might already have access to cooperative contracts without even knowing it.
What Is Cooperative Purchasing?
Cooperative purchasing (also called group or co-op purchasing) allows multiple organizations — such as fire departments, public works, police, schools, or municipalities — to combine their buying power. By doing so, they secure competitive pricing, pre-negotiated terms, and access to high-quality suppliers that might not be available to one agency on its own.
The main benefits for fire departments include:
Cost savings — Leverage volume discounts and competitive bids.
Time savings — Use contracts that have already gone through a competitive solicitation process, eliminating the need for separate RFPs.
Procurement compliance — Meet local, state, provincial, or national purchasing requirements with contracts designed for public entities.
Trusted vendors — Access reputable suppliers and products already vetted by purchasing professionals.
Common Cooperative Purchasing Agencies
Here’s a look at several widely used cooperative purchasing groups relevant to fire departments:
NPP (National Purchasing Partners)
U.S.-based NPP provides cooperative contracts across many sectors, including public safety. Fire departments can use NPP agreements for gear, equipment, and services, all with negotiated discounts and compliant contracts.
Sourcewell
Sourcewell is one of the largest cooperative purchasing agencies in North America, offering contracts for fire apparatus, gear, services, and more. With Sourcewell, departments can bypass time-consuming bid processes and still meet procurement regulations.
Canoe Procurement Group (Canada)
For Canadian fire departments, Canoe offers cooperative purchasing contracts tailored to municipalities and fire services, including vehicles, PPE, equipment, and training.
You May Already Have Access
One important — and often overlooked — point:
Even if your department has never directly used cooperative purchasing, your city, county, or municipality may already be a member of one or more of these programs.
For example:
- The public works division might use Sourcewell for vehicles.
- The finance office might already have a membership with NPP or NASPO.
This means your department could piggyback on existing memberships or contracts already approved by your local government — saving you time and cutting down on paperwork. Before assuming you need to start from scratch, check with your municipality’s purchasing or finance office. They may already have cooperative agreements in place that cover the fire department’s needs.
Where Distributors Fit In
Even when purchasing through cooperative contracts, local and regional distributors remain essential.
Distributors provide:
- Product expertise — Recommending the right gear and configurations.
- Local service and support — Handling fittings, deliveries, and follow-up.
- Customization — Coordinating special requests or department-specific modifications.
Co-op purchasing simplifies the contract and pricing process, but the distributor relationship ensures you get the right products and support for your department.
Final Takeaways
Cooperative purchasing offers real advantages for fire departments: faster procurement, better pricing, regulatory compliance, and access to trusted suppliers. Organizations like NPP, Sourcewell, and Canoe in Canada make it easier for departments to get what they need without reinventing the wheel.
Most importantly, many departments already have access to these contracts through their larger municipality — they just don’t realize it. A quick conversation with your local purchasing or finance office could open the door to powerful procurement tools you’re already eligible to use.
If your department hasn’t explored cooperative purchasing, now’s the time to start the conversation. You might be surprised at how much time and money it can save.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cooperative purchasing?
Cooperative purchasing allows multiple agencies — like fire departments, municipalities, and schools — to pool their buying power under a single, competitively bid contract. This saves time and money by letting you purchase directly from pre-approved contracts instead of running your own formal bid process.
Why should I use Sourcewell or NPP?
Both Sourcewell and NPP offer contracts that meet most local, state, and national procurement requirements. By purchasing through these programs, you can access discounted pricing, ensure compliance, and work directly with your local LION distributor without additional paperwork or delays.
Who is eligible to use these contracts?
- Sourcewell: Any government, education, or nonprofit agency in the U.S. and Canada can join Sourcewell and use its contracts.
- NPP: Public agencies, nonprofits, and certain businesses can enroll with NPP to access exclusive pricing and contracts.
Membership in both programs is free.
Do I still work with my local LION distributor?
Yes! Even when you purchase through Sourcewell or NPP, your local LION distributor is your main point of contact. They’ll help you select the right gear, handle customization, and provide the service and support you expect — with the added benefit of cooperative pricing.
How do I join Sourcewell or NPP?
You can easily enroll online:
- Sourcewell: Visit sourcewell-mn.gov and complete the membership form.
- NPP: Visit mynpp.com and register your organization.
Once enrolled, you can immediately start using the contracts.
What products are covered under LION’s contracts?
LION’s contracts cover a wide range of firefighting and public safety products, including turnout gear, helmets, hoods, gloves, boots, PPE, and related equipment. Contact your local distributor or LION representative to get specific product details.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
We’re here to help! Reach out to your local LION distributor or contact LION directly at (800) 421-2926. We’ll help you navigate the cooperative purchasing process and make sure you get what you need.
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