State of Florida Piggyback Contracts: An Overview of their Significance in Government Procurement
Procurement is an important aspect of any government entity, and the State of Florida is no exception when it comes to the acquisition of goods and services in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. One tool used by the state to meet this objective is the piggyback contract. In this article, we will examine piggyback contracts, how they work, and their significance in government procurement.
What is a Piggyback Contract?
A piggyback contract is a procurement method in which a government entity agrees to purchase goods or services through an existing contract between a vendor and another government entity. The original contract (from which the piggyback agreement is derived) is awarded through a competitive bidding process, and the state agency that “piggybacks” on this contract is not required to solicit additional bids.
How do Piggyback Contracts Work in Florida?
The State of Florida has established procurement procedures for piggyback contracts through Florida statutes and administrative rules under the State Acquisition and Bid Solicitation Act. Florida State agencies and local governments can use piggyback contracts to purchase goods and services from any existing contract from government entities in Florida, other states, or the federal government, as long as the criteria for such contracts are approved by the Florida Department of Management Services.
Why Use Piggyback Contracts?
The use of piggyback contracts offers numerous benefits to state agencies and local governments in Florida, including:
1) Cost savings – The competitive bidding process for the original contract is already complete, and the state agency that piggybacks on the contract can avoid the cost and time associated with conducting a new competitive bidding process.
2) Time Savings – Piggyback contracts save time as opposed to conducting an independent competitive procurement process.
3) Efficiency – The piggyback contract method reduces redundancy and streamlines the procurement process, which improves the efficiency of government procurement.
4) Access to High-quality Products and Services – In piggyback contracts, the vendor has already gone through a competitive procurement process with the originating entity, and the products and services have been deemed of high-quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of piggyback contracts in the State of Florida for government procurement has become an essential tool for state agencies and local governments. By avoiding the cost and time associated with conducting a new competitive bidding process, procuring high-quality products and services efficiently, and reducing redundancy, Florida’s government procurement process saves time and money for both the state and taxpayers.