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SUPPLIER VALUE PROPOSITION

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Office Depot Business Services Division is one of the largest national providers of comprehensive public and private sector office products, stationary supplies, school supplies, computer supplies and equipment. When coupled with the Office Depot Retail network our office products sales in 2003 exceeded $ 11 Billion. Our multi-billion dollar national buying power combined with our national infrastructure allows us to provide goods and services to all of US Communities Participating public agencies via the most comprehensive and complete supply chain/delivery model in the industry. Currently over 5000 public agencies utilize the Office Depot/ US Communities agreement. In 2003 over $ 250 million of merchandise was purchased through the agreement resulting in millions of dollars of saving to public agencies. The savings are made possible by the massive collective purchasing power of thousands of public agencies nationwide.

     Office Depot Electronic Commerce technology is second to none in the areas of direct Business to Business Internet transactions, 3rd party middleware compatibility, EDI and Electronic Funds Transfer account statement. We are successfully involved with local governments and school systems in the electronic space and will continue to support your movement and progress into new technologies.

     Office Depot has over 2000 Business Development Managers, Account Managers, Service Consultants and Customer Service Representatives trained to provide your agency or organization's with information about the US Communities agreement. Also, a US Communities toll free hotline (1-800-890-4914 press 1 and then ext 3202 and a US Communities e-mail address (uscommunities@officedepot.com) are available for those public agencies requesting information and/or assistance.

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Heritage, spirit and vision that endure
Founded in 1948, family-owned, headquartered in Holland, Michigan; A heritage of firsts; Global acquisitions enhance design/workspace solutions; $1.2 billion global leader; Unprecedented growth

Workspaces that adapt
     Flexible work environments; Holistic solutions; Human, facility, organizational and business performance

Architectural interiors that perform
     Reduce schedule by 20-40%; Reduce churn cost by $100-$500/person moved; Reduce energy cost 5-30% with access flooring/underfloor air; Provide customer-driven design and solutions; Evolve with the future

Furniture that performs
     Meet changing needs; Optimize technology; Improve human performance; Add lasting value and durability; Choose from multiple lines and applications

Design that functions
     Adaptable and holistic; Human-centered and ergonomic; Participative process; Client-tailored solutions

Sustainable design that is inherent
     Sustainable processes and products; Industry leader; Beyond LEED®; GREENGUARDT - 92% of N. American sales

Global capabilities that work for you
     Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas; 600 dealers worldwide; Local support from certified dealers; Global product standards; Dedicated global account team

Our promise
     Haworth lets you design great spaces that best adapt to change

Why Herman Miller?The Herman Miller for Government U.S. Communities contract presents a full range of competitively-priced, well designed office furniture that will provide you the cost effective workplace solution you want, when you want it.
Value that lasts!
     Herman Miller's contract with U.S. Communities guarantees you the best discount we can offer and the pricing has already been competitively bid. Consider - quality, warranty, life-cycle costs, non-obsolescence. - you won't find a better value.
The Best Warranty!
     Our 12-year warranty covers all standard office products. What's included? Parts, electrical components, moving mechanisms, three-shift usage.even labor. What isn't? Fine print.
You have Options!
     Can't find exactly what you need in our standard U.S. Communities product offering? No problem. Our Herman Miller Options group will make whatever you want - just say the word.
Fast Delivery
     The lead time for our complete standard offering is just 20 days or less. Need it faster? You can get many of our most popular products in 10 days or less - with no quick-ship surcharges. Still other products are available with specially assigned lead times to meet your needs.
It's good to be green
     Herman Miller furniture isn't just good for your office - it's good for the environment. We're recognized as one of the country's top corporate citizens for environmental stewardship - and numerous awards from organizations like the EPA prove it.
Satisfaction guaranteed
     Got a question? Call our customer care specialists. You'll get fast answers, not the runaround.
You'll get a great place to work!
     Sure, we make furniture, but our real business is creating great places to work. And we can't wait to make yours one of them.

For more than 60 years Knoll has collaborated with world leaders and business owners, inventors, movers and shakers, people who are building the businesses of tomorrow. We have worked with corporate executives, government directors, facility managers, architects and designers to create furnishings that set the standard, challenge convention and survive the test of time.

     We are committed to highest environmental standards for design and manufacture of products for the workplace. To that end, we have mandated a comprehensive Environmental, Health & Safety Management Plan defined in the following eight Environmental Principles:
  • Sustainable Design
  • Protection of the Biosphere
  • Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
  • Waste Reduction and Disposal
  • Conservation
  • Risk Reduction
  • Safe Products and Services
  • Environmental Restoration

     Our mission is to continue serving as a model in our industry for sound environmental, health and safety practices, and to nurture an ethic within Knoll empowering our associates to take responsibility and ownership of environmental, health and safety issues in the workplace and the community.

     We strive to create lasting partnerships with our customers, helping them to build office solutions that reflect their individual corporate or government cultures and work styles - now and into the future. We'd like to have the same opportunity to do so with you.

Landscape Structures Inc (LSI) knows that in these times of constant belt-tightening, it's always a challenge to get the best value. Privately owned since the company started over 30 years ago, LSI provides top-quality playground and skate park equipment, the highest level of personalized service and innovative products that are built to last for the long haul.

     At LSI, our values reflect the importance we place on safety, innovation and enriching the lives of children. From inventing sliding footers for our slides, so kids don't pinch their fingers or catch their clothing in a gap.to creating the industry's first truly realistic climber (The Rock), LSI always pushes harder and further to be the best and lead the pack. LSI is always the first to imagine, last to compromise.

     When you work with LSI, and any one of our 150 certified representatives, you can feel confident that you will get the attention you deserve, the quality you demand, and the design creativity for which we are known. We design and manufacture our products in our Delano, MN facilities. We leverage the latest in lean manufacturing techniques to ensure that whatever you buy from us arrives in perfect condition, on time, complete and at the best prices available.

With over 60 years of experience, Little Tikes Playgrounds by PlayPower are designed with one thing in mind-the children that play on them. This commitment is how we are "Building Fun" into every one of our playgrounds while we build the best playground company in the world.

     Our commitment to Building is insuring that our playgrounds are built with engineered strength & lasting durability. By delivering the most innovative new products with the highest quality and our superior customer service, we will exceed your every expectation.

     Our focus on Fun is evident when you see children playing on our playgrounds. We incorporate Fun into everything that we do, and our ultimate success is measured in the smiles and laughter that fill our playgrounds. Whether it's our commitment to being the leader in Inclusive Play or introducing the most exciting new products, we build playgrounds that define the future. When kids drive our Fire Truck or climb our Tike's Peak, they experience a world of freedom, imagination and most of all - Fun!

     We know how tight fiscal budgets are these days, and we want to make your playground experience a great one. Through our special U.S. Communities pricing, you can get more for your money with the same great design and installation services we offer all customers. We can help design your playground to meet your needs, offer installation services, and even have our local playground experts inspect your site to insure compliance. We go the extra mile by offering much more than a playground. We help Build Fun in your community.

     Building Fun is much more than a slogan-it's our commitment!

Through more than 20 years of change - new technologies and evolving government needs - GTSI has remained the government's most reliable provider of IT products, solutions and services. GTSI empowers local and state government agencies as well as educational institutions and non-profit organizations to achieve their missions by delivering industry-leading technologies from global IT partners including HP, Panasonic, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Cisco.

     With dedicated teams of certified experts, GTSI has proven that it can solve nearly any IT challenge. Our unique Technology Teams are experts in analyzing, designing, installing, and supporting a wide range of integrated IT solutions including High Performance Computing, Advanced Networking, Mobile Communications, Web Portals, Physical Security, Data Storage & Migration, Information Assurance, and others.

     GTSI understands the unique needs of government entities and provides competitive pricing and flexible financing options. In addition, our global integration and worldwide distribution can deliver any solution, anywhere, at any time. And GTSI.com offers convenient, customized Internet shopping zones to meet the personalized needs of our government customers.

    You can rely on GTSI.

Combine top-brand computing and IT products, with Office Depot's buying power, reputation for service excellence and business integrity, and you've created a superior, all-encompassing purchasing experience.

     We are Tech Depot, the technology division of Office Depot. We're dedicated to meeting the unique technology requirements of your state and local government agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations. We have been selling technology products and services online since 1998 and were acquired by Office Depot in 2001 as a strategic addition to its e-commerce technology products and service offerings.

     Tech Depot strives to make your buying experience simple and straightforward by offering intelligent product choices, top brands, and competitive prices, with the support you demand. Tech Depot showcases an extraordinary selection of products, including desktop and notebook computers, storage and networking devices, digital imaging solutions, printers, software, accessories, and so much more.

     Some additional advantages include:
  • Tech Depot's unique customer-focused delivery model for technology products
  • Nationwide distribution of over 100,000 technology products from hundreds of manufacturers
  • Same-day shipment if order is processed by 4pm EST
  • Dedicated, extensively trained Account Management Team with experience in the State and Local Government, Education an non-profit sectors
  • In-house Customer Care Team
  • customized Online Extranet featuring catalog and user setup, security management, online information and reporting
  • Dynamic pricing model which allows US Communities members to receive the benefit of price reductions as quickly as possible
  • Special Offerings such as software licensing and equipment leasing
  • Online configure-to-order, supplies finder, memory configuration and rebate tools
     If you are seeking to partner with a reseller that offers an intelligent and streamlined buying experience, come see what Tech Depot has to offer.

Our contract participants invest less time and money in the procurement process, leveraging the work of other schools, cities, counties and state agencies nationwide.

     Through Graybar you receive outstanding on time delivery from over 250 warehouses nationwide. Graybar represents the leading manufacturers of electrical, communications and data products. The scope of products available through the U.S. Communities program is extensive and designed to meet nearly every Electrical & Comm/Data material requirement of your organization.

     We offer a wide array of usage or billing reports, cost savings processes, electronic purchasing options and much more!

     Your organization can maximize savings on electrical, communications and data products while reducing procurement time! Our mission is to bring your purchasing costs down through the pooled power of public agencies nationwide, while providing quality service and expertise.

At Zep Manufacturing, we understand the challenges facing state and local governments. Since 1937, we've been working closely with customers to ensure they have the best in cleaning and maintenance products at competitive prices. Whether it's providing floor finishes for school systems, or vehicle maintenance and cleaning products for fire departments, or industrial strength hand cleaners for road crews, Zep has the breadth and depth of products to satisfy all your cleaning and maintenance needs.

     We don't just talk about the value we bring; we prove it. In this era of tight fiscal constraints, where managing costs is so important, we deliver. Through our Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Program, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our products in reducing the use cost to the customer. Where we have performed TCO's, documented cost savings have been in the 10%-35% range.

     How do we do it? Each of our more than 1,200 sales/service Reps is a trained, certified specialist who can partner with your organization to help you find the best solutions. They are backed by a wealth of technical service experts and other highly-skilled professionals to ensure your satisfaction. Because we manufacture our own products right here in the United States, we can ensure the quality of our products and pass savings on to our customers.

We at Ricoh Corporation are dedicated to meeting and exceeding your needs. The goal of our National Account Program for U.S. Communities is to provide consistency in the implementation of accounts like yours and to focus on developing relationships with clients who have document solution system requirements. Understanding that customers need more than just discounts, we provide consistent, customized service with a commitment to building and maintaining long-term relationships through our nationwide network of 640 Ricoh, Savin and Gestetner dealers and direct locations who are proud to sell, service and support the systems that we manufacture.

When it comes to furnishing America's classrooms, Virco gives you the industry's best combination of long-lasting, value-oriented products and personalized service. That's why, after opening for business in 1950 with just one customer, Virco has become the leading manufacturer and supplier of school furniture.

     Virco's diverse furniture selection gives you a wide range of choices - including award-winning, ergonomically supportive product lines - for Kindergarten through college applications, as well as commercial, hospitality and institutional settings. What's more, our comprehensive, turnkey PlanSCAPET service helps school administrators cost-effectively manage the furniture, fixtures and equipment portion of new construction or renovation project budgets. So whether you need furniture for one classroom, an entire campus or district, or any government agency, Virco's here to serve you.

Sportime (K-12 physical education) and Sportime Fitness & Sport (grades 7-12 team sports) are the nation's most recognized and respected brands for quality physical activity equipment and teacher training in the nation. Since 1966, Sportime has been serving the needs of physical education, recreation and special needs professionals in our nation's public and private schools, community recreation programs and hospitals. Our line of original products, called Innovations, has changed the way physical education is taught by developing teaching tools that validate important physical education principles such as inclusion, cognition and critical thinking. Furthermore, every product purchased from Sportime is unconditionally guaranteed for at least one full year, while many products carry even longer guarantees. Sportime and Sportime Fitness & Sport both offer complete lines of physical education and activity equipment along with world-class customer service.

Hagemeyer is a national leader in the Homeland Security and First Responder equipment markets. One of the chief benefits that U.S. Communities Participating Agencies will derive from the Hagemeyer Homeland Security and Public Safety Equipment contract is the dedication of resources for supporting the customer on a national level. Staffed by a team of experts, focused on this critical segment, First Responders will have the equipment, service and support they need for any situation.

     Hagemeyer inventories stocks over 50,000 different products with inventory levels over $100 million.

     Under this agreement, Hagemeyer can provide a broad range of products and services which align with the Office of Domestic Preparedness' authorized products, including:
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Explosive Device Mitigation and Remediation Equipment
  • CBRNE Search & Rescue Equipment
  • Interoperable Communications Equipment
  • Detection Equipment
  • Decontamination Equipment
  • Physical Security Enhancement Equipment
  • Terrorism Incident Prevention Equipment
  • CBRNE Logistical Support Equipment
  • Medical Supplies
  • CBRNE Reference Materials
  • Tactical Equipment
  • Related Technical and Training Services
  • Other non-listed Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Fire Equipment products.
     In addition, the Government Sales Division of Hagemeyer can also provide agencies with the ability to track all of their procurement spending through our Grant Tracker program. This web-based program provides agencies with the detailed information they need to track spending histories and monitor grant compliance.

     We appreciate your consideration of Hagemeyer NA and look forward to serving you!

HCS is the industry leader in providing commercial/industrial roofing and waterproofing systems and services. HCS combines the resources of both our contracting and manufacturing divisions to create HCS. By so doing, HCS delivers the best in roofing systems, roofing product development and manufacturing, roofing contracting and installation services to the marketplace. To complete the offering, we provide a full range of professional services relating to roof repairs, roof maintenance, roof restoration and roof replacements. The result is unsurpassed quality at nationally pre-competed pricing to participating public agencies throughout the United States.

     For the first time, roofing contracting, roofing product design & manufacturing and professional roofing services are provided into one offering.
  • Our roofing contracting division, lead by Aduddell Industries, sets the standard with safety ratings that are among the highest in the industry.
  • The design and manufacturing of roofing products, by W.P. Hickman Systems, Inc., is performed using our ISO 9001:2000 certified quality management system.
  • To assure that quality is delivered as promised, Professional Service Industries, Inc. provides the team of independent professional engineers (PE) and registered roof consultants (RRC).
               Whether you need one or many roofs replaced, or simply have a chronic roof leak fixed, HCS is there for you.

     What does this mean for the members of U.S. Communities? It means that you will now be able to purchase all your roofing needs from a single provider through the ease and convenience of a nationwide strategic sourcing program.

     Best Products, Best Workmanship, Best Price, and Best Service .equal the Best Value!

     For more information, contact HCS at 1-800-973-1975 or visit our web site at www.hcsroofing.com.

AutoZone is the nation's largest auto parts and accessories retailer with annual sales of more than $5.7 billion. AutoZone offers more than 800,000 SKUs over 70 categories, which cover virtually every major and minor light duty vehicle department. These include under hood (engine, engine management, emissions, air conditioning, heating, cooling system, belts, hoses, etc.), under car (chassis, suspension, ride control, etc.), transmissions, drive axles, brakes (friction, steel, brake hardware, etc.), automotive chemicals and fluids (oil, antifreeze, etc.).

     AutoZone, a Fortune 400 company, utilizes a nationwide footprint of over 3,700 company-owned stores to sell to wholesale customers through its Commercial Division. AutoZone's global sourcing of quality parts underscores the company's commitment to its customers to provide the best merchandise at the right price.

     53,000 employees are trained to provide the company's unique brand of WOW! Customer Service! This workforce consists of Regional Commercial Sales Managers, Territory Managers, Outside Sales Representatives, National Account Sales Management Team, District Management and Store Commercial Managers. Store Commercial Managers are available by phone at local AutoZone locations.

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance (formerly The Home Depot Supply) offers customized solutions that target and meet the evolving needs of specific professional customers involved in federal, state and local government, education, residential and commercial construction and facility maintenance. State and local government, housing authorities and educational institutions can benefit from our partnership with US Communities and make the procurement process efficient and easy.

      Your agency can piggyback at no charge on our MRO contract #05091, eliminating the need to solicit proposals from multiple vendors and making it easier than ever to get the supplies you need. The contract has been competitively solicited by Maricopa County, Arizona, so you can shop with confidence. Over 4,000 public agencies currently utilize our contract and receive just-in-time delivery from our dedicated supply chain with nearly 600 trucks and 35 distribution centers nationwide.

      We are committed to providing you with the tools you need. Order from our full-line catalog or through our dedicated web site at hdsupplysolutions.com/uscommunities where you can find more than 18,000 items. Efficiently manage your procurement spending with product purchase reports, general ledger coding and streamlined invoices available online. Get personalized help from our team of 500+ experienced Field and National Account Representatives serving you nationwide. With HD Supply Facilities Maintenance as your one-stop shop, you can always depend on getting the expert service you need, the solutions to help you get the job done fast and the reliable, quality products you can install with confidence.

Enjoy these benefits and more!

• Save time and money with freight-free, next-day delivery on most items to most areas
• Receive our lowest catalog price regardless of quantity ordered, plus additional discounts on thousands of products
• Most government forms of payment accepted, including purchase cards
• A dedicated call center and Customer Advocate Center with professionals exclusively focused on helping you
• Order online and we’ll provide you with inventory levels, shipping locations, and your account-specific pricing, plus any applicable promotional pricing
• Online services designed to support your business needs including integration with your internal purchasing systems, customized electronic catalogs and dedicated web support


 

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