By John Crum, Account Executive
With rising costs and an ever-evolving threat landscape, K-12 institutions are already stretching their budgets. Time that could be spent improving the student experience or providing teachers with the resources they need is instead spent researching contractors during lengthy bid processes.
As an approved vendor through organizations like the Educational Cooperative Purchasing Alliance and The Interlocal Purchasing System, Tech Electronics can cut through the red tape and provide the security equipment schools need, at a price they can afford.
Tech is also a member of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools to bring the visibility and security administrators are looking for to schools across the Midwest.
Many of Tech’s manufacturer partners are also approved for security grants and we can lend a hand in the grant writing process to grease the wheels and get projects moving sooner.
Educational Cooperative Purchasing Alliance
For educational institutions in the state of Indiana, Tech is an approved vendor through the Educational Cooperative Purchasing Alliance. The ECPA removes barriers for schools by vetting contractors and simplifying the procurement process.
As an ECPA-approved vendor, administrators can rest assured that Tech can supply the equipment they need in a timely fashion, and at a price they can afford.
Their team allows school districts to leverage collective buying power while maintaining compliance with the state and federal regulations that govern their bid and procurement process.
The ECPA has approved Tech for integrated security solutions and services including:
- Access Control
- Video Surveillance and Management
- Continued Service and System Management
Through this agreement Tech can install equipment from industry leaders like Avigilon, Axis Communications and Genetec, at significantly discounted prices.
The Interlocal Purchasing System
For customers outside of Indiana, Tech also partners with The Interlocal Purchasing System to provide similar services.
TIPS vets organizations to ensure they meet the legal requirements and bid qualifications.
This allows administrators and board members to spend more time focusing on improving their district, and less on paperwork.
TIPS posts a member institution’s RFP or RFQ and solicits bids from vendors like Tech, then their experts review the submissions at the deadline which are then scored on a rubric and assessed a score based on value.
TIPS then provides institutions like school districts and governmental agencies with qualified bids and a recommendation for a path forward.
As a TIPS-approved vendor, Tech can design, install and service:
- Emergency responder supplies, equipment and services
- Fire, firearm, and active shooter safety and security solutions
- Trades, labor and materials
- Technology solutions, products and services
- Telephone and communications data systems and solutions
Partner Alliance for Safer Schools
The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools provides guidance on school security with a layered approach from policies to equipment.
PASS guidelines are divided into four tiers, structured to help schools implement the latest in security solutions step by step.
Tier one establishes a baseline, with low-cost measures and policy direction to build a coordinated security response.
Tier two builds upon that foundation, with more extensive culture shifts and equipment changes that can be phased in as funding is available.
Tier three and tier four include an overarching security plan based on documented assessments, multi-year planning, along with budgetary and staff allocation.
The 7th Edition of the PASS guidelines states their purpose is to “provide school administrators with tools they can use to gauge their risk levels, identify their security needs and develop security plans tailored to their schools or districts that incorporate practices and procedures vetted by experts.”
Grant Writing
There are also dozens of grants at the state and federal levels available for K-12 institutions to take advantage of. Tech can work with districts and grant writers to produce competitive applications and secure funding for projects to keep schools, and students, safe.
For more information on how Tech can help your district, schedule a consultation.
