Pennsylvania Education Purchasing Program for Microcomputers (PEPPM)

The Pennsylvania Education Purchasing Program for Microcomputers (PEPPM) is a nationally recognized cooperative purchasing program administered from Pennsylvania that provides school districts, public agencies, colleges, and nonprofit organizations access to competitively bid technology contracts for computers, peripherals, software, and related services.

What is PEPPM?

PEPPM was founded in Pennsylvania as a technology cooperative for educational institutions and has grown into a nationally available cooperative with members in all 50 states. The program specializes in technology procurement, computers, tablets, interactive displays, networking equipment, software licenses, and associated professional services, making it one of the most widely used ed-tech cooperative vehicles in the country. PEPPM operates through Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) in Pennsylvania and conducts formal competitive solicitations that satisfy competitive bidding requirements in most states. Member entities, including K-12 school districts, community colleges, public libraries, and municipal agencies, can purchase directly from PEPPM-contracted vendors at competitively established prices. For technology vendors targeting the education market, PEPPM is one of the most important cooperative contracts available because of its national reach, education sector focus, and established reputation with school business officials and technology directors.

Why PEPPM matters for government contractors

PEPPM is one of the premier cooperative purchasing channels for education technology vendors. The program's national scope means a single PEPPM contract can open doors to school districts in all 50 states. For ed-tech companies, achieving a PEPPM contract position is often a top-priority business development goal because it dramatically reduces the sales overhead associated with winning individual school district bids.

Example

A device management software company wins a PEPPM contract for its endpoint management platform. School districts from California to Florida use the PEPPM contract to purchase the software for their 1:1 device programs, citing PEPPM as satisfying their competitive procurement requirements. The company grows its K-12 customer base across the country without responding to individual district RFPs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PEPPM only for Pennsylvania schools?

No. Despite its Pennsylvania origins, PEPPM is a nationally available cooperative. Member entities in all 50 states can access PEPPM contracts. The program's reach makes it one of the most nationally significant education technology cooperatives.

What technology categories does PEPPM cover?

PEPPM covers a broad range of educational technology: computers (desktops, laptops, tablets), peripherals, interactive whiteboards and displays, networking equipment, educational software, IT professional services, and technology support services. It is a comprehensive technology cooperative for the education market.

How does a technology vendor apply for a PEPPM contract?

PEPPM issues Request for Proposal solicitations for its various technology categories. Vendors submit competitive proposals, and PEPPM awards contracts to qualifying vendors. The solicitation process is designed to satisfy competitive bidding laws in member states.

Can nonprofits and libraries use PEPPM?

Yes. PEPPM extends its contracts to eligible nonprofit organizations and public libraries in addition to school districts and government agencies. Eligibility details are available through PEPPM's administrative office at CSIU.