Answer

Revised Statute R.S. 38:2212.1(N) allows any public school district or public school to enter into agreements with “qualified purchasing organizations” for the purchase of materials, equipment and supplies, including any installation thereof. A qualified purchasing organization is defined as: “[A]ny organization, whether for profit or not for profit, of which two or more public school districts are members and that solicits proposals or bids from vendors or materials, equipment or supplies of the type and nature as may be purchased by a public school district or public school.” If the same item (or substantially similar item) is on State contract/bid list, a school board may only purchase the item directly from a qualified purchasing organization if the price is less than the State contract/bid list price. If the same item (or substantially similar item) is not on State contract/bid list, then a school board may purchase it directly from a qualified purchasing organization. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/23/2026 03:45:16 PM