Why are only some vendors receiving outreach to amend their contract?
Contract amendments are only needed for those active contracts that include current cooperative language.
When will contract amendments be prepared and sent to statewide contract vendors?
Contract amendments will be prepared and sent May 2021. You are asked to execute the amendment and send it back to suppliers-NJBUYS@periscopeholdings.com by May 28, 2021.
Will my current contract still be valid?
Yes, other than the amendment, other terms in the vendor’s contract will remain the same.
Can I renegotiate my contract during the amendment process?
No, the contract amendment, the supplier convenience fee is the only change to a vendor’s contract that will be processed at this time.
Can I redline the amendment?
No, the amendment sent to you for consideration has been executed by the State.
Why do I have to pay a 1% convenience fee?
The fee is designed to fund the staff and technology associated with management of the Cooperative Purchasing Program making your contract easier to use by local governments in New Jersey. Convenience fee is to fund procurement operations, cooperative programs, and systems are very common across the U.S.. These fees are, essentially, a way to improve services to the supplier community and the State. Vendors agreeing to the 1% fee will be able to load their catalogs of products or services for searching and ordering in the Supplier Marketplace.
Can I refuse to pay the 1% convenience fee?
Your company can choose not to sign the contract amendment that requires sales reporting and the payment of the convenience fee. Your company will not lose its contract with the State for the current contract term. However, the company will not be permitted access to the NJSTART Marketplace (where statewide contract catalogs will be housed for searching and purchasing), and the contract will not be marketed to local governments in New Jersey.
Can I negotiate the 1% convenience fee?
No, to ensure equity and fairness for the Vendors, the 1% fee is being applied consistently across all statewide contract vendors.
Will I still work with the same buyers I am familiar with?
Yes, the State’s Procurement Specialist or the State Contract Manager will not change as a result of the Cooperative Purchasing Program.
When should I expect to get POs or a surge in orders from locals?
Locals will be able to start using NJSTART Marketplace in July. We anticipate use of the system to grow throughout the latter half of 2021.
What if I have other business with locals that isn’t or won’t be sourced through the State contract, do I have to pay a convenience fee?
The convenience fee will only apply to sales made using the State of New Jersey’s contract vehicle.
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