The Department of Commerce recently signed a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with Microsoft that is estimated to save the department nearly $8 million in taxpayer dollars. The agreement, in effect for three years, will help Commerce achieve IT efficiency and user productivity goals through the use of the latest technologies that help the department work at the speed of business.

 

The agreement Commerce signed will ensure it is able to provide reliable software and services coverage while ensuring competitive pricing. The BPA aggregates all of Commerce’s purchases each year, while providing the Department with a comprehensive and effective way to order Microsoft products. The agreement also enables all department agencies and offices to keep up with the latest software changes.

 

A team of technical and acquisition experts from agencies throughout the Department negotiated the deal, which leverages department-wide buying power for volume-driven discounts.

 

Through the new contract, Commerce will be able to do the following:

Since October 2010, the Commerce Department has supported the strategy development, planning and implementation of a department-wide strategic sourcing program. Since its inception, the Department has successfully launched over 15 strategic sourcing initiatives, resulting in over $60 million in taxpayer savings and an eightfold return on investment. These initiatives have involved the facilitation of cross-Departmental teams in developing common requirements, while helping achieve Commerce’s small business and socio-economic goals. The continued efforts to strategically source products and services are essential for being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and providing world-class customer service, while enabling the Department to focus on its critical mission to help American businesses create jobs and grow the economy.