How can local government entities leverage 'piggybacking' agreements?

Local government entities can leverage 'piggybacking' agreements by utilizing contracts established by another public entity. This practice allows one government entity to adopt the pricing and terms of a contract that another entity has already negotiated, typically through a competitive bidding process. By doing so, local governments can save time and resources by avoiding the need to go through a lengthy procurement process themselves. This is especially useful for small municipalities that may not have the capacity or resources to conduct extensive procurement efforts.

Piggybacking agreements are beneficial as they often come with pre-established terms that have been vetted and are compliant with applicable procurement laws, ensuring that the entities involved abide by regulations while still addressing their purchasing needs effectively. This allows local governments to access goods and services at competitive prices without redundant negotiations, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.