COSTARS is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program that serves as a conduit through which registered and eligible local public procurement units (LPPUs) and state-affiliated entities (Members) are able to leverage contracts established by the Department of General Services (DGS) to cost effectively and efficiently identify suppliers with whom to do business.  COSTARS Marketing Manager Kimberly Bullivant will discuss important topics, including:

•    COSTARS Program history.
•    COSTARS website overview.
•    Resources available to members, e.g. online training, newsletters, and contract updates.
•    How to search COSTARS-exclusive contracts.
•    How to search statewide COSTARS-participating contracts.
•    Negotiating with suppliers to get the best price, saving taxpayer money.