Independent Stationers, Inc. (dba is.group) announced today it was awarded the agreement to provide office supplies and related products to the 42,000+ U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance (U.S. Communities) program participants throughout the United States. As the only supplier to be awarded this contract, is.group’s certified independent dealer participants will enjoy an estimated $500 million of purchases through the new agreement annually.

As a lead public agency in the U.S. Communities program, the County of Los Angeles managed the competitively solicited bid process and awarded the contract to is.group; U.S. Communities, a national government purchasing cooperative, will administer the contract on behalf of participating public agencies.

is.group already has over eight years experience implementing, administering and managing multi-million dollar national accounts as the contract holder with the federal government with its General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule, the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and the Army BPA, as well as private sector national accounts contracts with the goal of providing competitive pricing and exemplary service to the end-users who are the ultimate consumers of its dealer members’ products and services.

Last week, NOPA issued a statement urging New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to ‘walk the talk’ in his declared efforts to support New Jersey-based businesses of all sizes as an engine of economic recovery and growth. NOPA President Chris Bates said, “It’s critical that Governor Christie ensure that his administration implements the pro-business agenda he outlined during his election campaign and since taking office – including ‘walking the talk’ by ensuring maximum opportunities for New Jersey-based businesses to compete in all state procurements.”

According to Bates, “recent decisions by the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property (DPP) to award single-source contracts for office supplies, automotive replacement parts and other products have prevented New Jersey-based businesses from competing for state contracts.  At the same time, they have prevented ongoing competition among several vendors to ensure best value in purchasing by state and local government customers in New Jersey.” 

On August 20, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims has ruled for the second time this year that companies operating in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) have first priority as potential vendors among small businesses bidding on government contracts.  The court found that the U.S. Air Force violated provisions in the 1953 Small Business Act when it failed to first consider DGR Associates, Inc., a HUBZone firm, before awarding an Alaskan base maintenance contract to an 8(a) small business. 

The ruling reaffirms the statutory policy mandate presented in a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and then set forth in a March 20 court decision involving a U.S. Army information technology contract.  The latter case is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  The appeals court's ruling has precedential effect, meaning its decision would apply to future HUBZone priority cases.  NOPA encourages its members seeking federal government contracts to monitor these developments closely.

On August 20, the Committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice (75 FR 51444) that it would add double-pocket portfolios and several new filing products to its “A” mandatory purchase list for total government requirements as consolidated by the General Services Administration (GSA).  This action is effective on September 20.  Select "Read More" for a list of affected products.

On August 27, the Committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice (75 FR 52723) that it planned to delete one SKU (NSN: 7530–00–082–2663) of pressure-sensitive adhesive labels from its mandatory procurement list.  Comments are due to Barry Lineback on or before September 27 as shown above.

The Committee also announced its decision to add the following products to its “A” and “B” mandatory purchase lists for total and broad government requirements as consolidated by the General Services Administration (GSA).  These additions will be effective on September 27.  Select "Read More" for a List of affected products.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN—is.group has launched its inDiGo Marketing Program. The program was developed in partnership with Peter Frost of Proficiency Group, a leading marketing consultancy, to enable independent dealers to develop a business plan to increase their sales through a combination of unique sales and marketing efforts.

The program teaches dealers how to leverage relationships they have with buyers to approach other valuable decision makers, leading to increased sales in the areas of Managed Print Services (MPS), Janitorial, Sanitation, Breakroom and Furniture, and market themselves as a local, single source supplier.

Small businesses won a record $96.8 billion in federal prime contracts in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008-Sept. 30, 2009), an increase of more than $3 billion from FY 2008, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s fourth annual small business procurement scorecard released today.  This dollar amount represents 21.89 percent of all federal spending – an improvement over FY2008.  Additionally, performance in each of the government’s socioeconomic subcategories increased for FY2009.

“Small businesses received a record $96.8 billion in federal contracts in 2009. There was an increase in both dollars and contracting share for every small business category.  This represents real progress, but not enough, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the 23 percent goal is met and exceeded,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “Federal contracts awarded to small businesses are a ‘win-win’ – providing small businesses with the opportunity to grow and create jobs, and offering innovative services and essential goods to the government at great value to the taxpayers.”

Office Products Dealers of all sizes who are engaged in selling office furniture projects and providing related services (i.e., space planning, consultation on product selection, installation) to mid-market or larger contract customers are encouraged to attend the 2010 OFDA Dealer Strategies Conference held October 9-12 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, FL.

NOPA is now on Twitter. You can now follow the latest news and information coming out of NOPA on issues that are important to you, by following us on Twitter. NOPA also commands a presence on LinkedIn with a group site and links to Alicia Ellis, NOPA's Director of Marketing & Communications. Sign up to receive the latest developments in the office products industry!

NOPA is looking for members willing to be a part of our 2010 Membership marketing campaign. Show your support for the association by telling us in 50 words or less what the association means to you and how your participation as a member has helped you succeed in your business.

General or specific, your picture and comments could be incorporated into membership ads designed to help raise awareness of the association and encourage membership. For more information, contact Alicia Ellis, Director of Marketing and Communications at aellis@nopanet.org or call 800.542.6672 x113.

FedEx Ground can save you money and help your business run more efficiently by offering faster transit times and convenient shipping options.  FedEx understands that fewer days in transit can help contribute to a lean, just-in-time environment, giving you the competitive advantage you need in this challenging economy. 

The Contempo Series display cases from the Waddell Display Cases division of Ghent Manufacturing Inc. boast a single seamless, clear glass front panel that is flanked by frosted glass side entry doors, bordered by a wooden upper and lower base finish and metallic framing, and enhanced by interior lighting and a case backing. The Contempo Display Cases are made to order in three size configurations: full floor case (6’Hx4’Wx14’D), a medium floor case (6’Hx3’Wx14’D), and a space saving wall case (44”Hx3’Wx14’D). Upper and lower bases come in a light maple or cherry wood finish, with a choice of satin or bronze aluminum framing. All Contempo Display Cases feature recessed spot lighting, adjustable height full-length glass shelves, hinged locking side doors, side door entry and four adjustable feet for leveling. 
 
www.waddellfurniture.com or www.ghent.com

As companies emerge from one of the steepest economic downturns in history, they understand the significant reach and importance of using social media to promote and rebuild their organizations. A new CareerBuilder survey reports that 35 percent of employers use social media to promote their company. One-quarter (25 percent) of these employers said that they are using social media to connect with clients and find new business, while others are using it to recruit and research potential employees (21 percent), or strengthen their employment brands (13 percent). The survey was conducted among more than 2,500 employers between May 18 and June 3, 2010.

The majority of U.S. workers are completely satisfied with several aspects of their work environment, including their relations with coworkers, the flexibility of their hours, and the amount of work required of them. Of 13 job characteristics rated, they are the least satisfied with their on-the-job stress, followed by their pay.