2025 GPO Accreditation Program

The University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents is conducting the 2025 Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) Accreditation Program to evaluate and qualify group purchasing organizations that can provide contract services to UT System institutions. The primary objective is to ensure that potential GPOs, including Texas state agencies performing GPO functions, meet minimum procurement standards established by the State of Texas and UT System. Participating organizations must complete a comprehensive Applicant Survey due by August 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm Central time, which will be electronically submitted to Paul Steinkraus at psteinkraus@utsystem.edu. The accreditation process involves a rigorous "value component test" that requires GPOs to demonstrate significant institutional value, including having multiple UT System institutions use their contracts and generating at least $4 million in annual institutional spend. Evaluation criteria include established contract portfolios, open bid policies, competitive procurement processes, contract management programs, diversity and inclusion policies, federal procurement compliance, and transparent procurement practices.

The accreditation program strongly emphasizes support for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) in Texas, with a particular focus on minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Organizations must provide detailed information about their commitment to diverse suppliers, including their procedures for monitoring supplier performance and ensuring market-aligned pricing. The UT System Office of Collaborative Business Services will manage the program, with accreditation valid through August 31, 2026, and newly accredited entities subject to a formal review in their first year. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the program requires participants to demonstrate substantial contract value and institutional engagement. Organizations that fail to secure or maintain accreditation, or decline to participate in the process, will be prohibited from providing GPO services to UT System and its institutions. The UT System Audit Office reserves the right to conduct comprehensive audits of accredited entities, and organizations must report significant changes within 30 days or risk having their accreditation revoked.