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All QVCOG municipalities may participate within the SHACOG Purchasing Alliance. The 2025 Fall Commodities Estimated Requirements is open on the SHACOG Purchasing Alliance website, www.shacog.com. Participating communities are requested to complete this survey by Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Communities only need to complete the survey for those products in which they have an interest. There is no need to attempt to complete a survey for a commodity which your municipality does not use.
Contingent upon survey responses, the following general categories comprise the list of items on which we anticipate receiving bids: •Bagged Snow and Ice Melt •Calcium Chloride •Enhanced Deicer (Enhanced Deicing Salt Product) •Gasoline and Diesel Fuel •Grass Seed •Infield Conditioner - Soil Amendment •Liquid Calcium Chloride •Liquid Magnesium Chloride •Lubricants, which include Antifreeze, Diesel Oil, Gear Oil, Heavy Duty Grease, Hydraulic Oil, Motor Oil, Transmission Fluid, Universal Tractor Fluid, and Windshield Washer Fluid •Pesticides, which include Fungicides, Herbicides, Insecticides, and Plant Growth Regulators •Snow Plow Blades and Cutting Edges Please be reminded that these are general categories. It is important to examine the various items within these categories to identify your community's needs. This list also changes each year due to lack of demand, no bids being received, and requests for new inclusions. As an aid for prior users, there is a two-year history of estimates previously submitted for each existing item. Many find this information to be of value in providing a current estimate. In addition, if a product you use does not appear in the list, you can note that item for inclusion in the bid. You are encouraged to provide your best estimates of needed items for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Even though minimum purchases are not required for these products, your estimates are important. The premise of the joint purchasing program is simple: volume buying produces lower prices. When the volume does not exist, the discount disappears. Because of requirements SHACOG stipulates for supply and delivery, the vendors are obligated to stock the products based on their estimates. If the volume purchases do not materialize, the integrity and reliability of SHACOG's estimates are ultimately questioned in the following year. This not only adversely impacts the price, it also creates the risk of reduced competition. Providing sound estimates and agreeing to purchase from the lowest responsible bidder not only supports the program, but it also increases the competition and improves pricing. For everyone’s mutual benefit, your support of and commitment to this process is essential. Vendors have not only confirmed this premise but have also questioned their participation due to lack of sales. Your cooperation, therefore, is imperative. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the SHACOG office at your convenience. South Hills Area Council of Governments Susan S. Dawson, Administrative Assistant 2600 Old Greentree Road Carnegie, PA 15106-3857 Email: [email protected] Phone Number: 412-429-1130 Fax: 412-429-3830 |