LAMP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LAMP Program?

The LAMP (Lead Agency Marketing Partnership) Program is UC's cooperative contracting program available through OMNIA Partners. Through LAMP, State, Local and Education (SLED) agencies and nonprofits alike have access to UC-awarded cooperative contracts, saving time and resources while ensuring compliance.

What does LAMP stand for?

Lead Agency Marketing Partnership. UC serves as the 'lead agency' that conducts competitive solicitations, and the resulting contracts are marketed nationally through OMNIA Partners, a cooperative purchasing organization.

How is the LAMP Program different from other cooperative purchasing programs?

The LAMP Program is built on UC's rigorous seven-step strategic sourcing methodology and includes best-value criteria such as sustainability and small/local business participation. All contracts are competitively bid and publicly awarded.

What is OMNIA Partners’ role as the cooperative purchasing organization? 

OMNIA Partners provides access for eligible public agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits nationwide to purchase from UC LAMP contracts. They provide marketing support, cooperative administration, and utilization tracking to suppliers.

Eligibility & Access

Who can use LAMP contracts?

Eligible entities include UC campuses and locations, other higher education institutions, K-12 schools and districts, state and local government agencies, municipal and county agencies, and nonprofits (subject to specific eligibility).

How do I confirm my organization's eligibility?

Review your organization's procurement policy for cooperative purchasing provisions, check if your state allows 'piggyback' contracts, contact your procurement officer, and reach out to the LAMP team for confirmation.

Can private companies or for-profit organizations use LAMP contracts?

No. LAMP contracts are reserved for public agencies, educational institutions, and qualifying nonprofits.

Is there a cost to participate in LAMP?

There are no participation fees for eligible agencies to access LAMP contracts.

How to Use LAMP Contracts

How do I find a LAMP contract for my needs?

Visit the LAMP contract directory, browse by category (IT, MRO, Lab Supplies, Professional Services, etc.), review contract terms and supplier information, and contact the supplier or LAMP team for assistance.

What categories do LAMP contracts cover?

LAMP covers a vast array of different categories, including Information Technology (hardware, software, services), Facilities and MRO (maintenance, repair, operations), Laboratory Supplies & Equipment, Professional Services (consulting, staffing, marketing), and more.

How do I place an order using a LAMP contract?

Confirm your organization's eligibility, review the contract terms, contact the awarded supplier directly, reference the UC LAMP contract number when ordering, and follow your organization's internal procurement procedures. 

Can I negotiate pricing or terms with the supplier?

Not-to-exceed pricing is set by the UC master agreement, and certain terms of the agreement are subject to modification without being in conflict with the UC master agreement.  

Compliance & Legal

Are LAMP contracts compliant with public procurement rules?

All LAMP contracts are awarded using UC's competitive solicitation process and comply with industry-standard public-sector procurement requirements. UC serves as the lead agency, and participating agencies 'piggyback' on the UC master agreement. A participating agency should confirm that the UC's solicitation process meets the participating agency's unique internal compliance requirements. 

How does LAMP address data privacy and security?

UC contracts include data privacy, security, and accessibility requirements appropriate to each category. Suppliers must meet applicable standards (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR where relevant).

What accessibility standards do LAMP contracts require?

Suppliers must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards and Section 508 compliance where applicable. Specific requirements are outlined in each solicitation.

Sustainability & Economic Development

How does LAMP support sustainability goals?

Sustainability is a core evaluation criterion in UC's best-value scoring. LAMP contracts prioritize environmental certifications and practices, carbon footprint reduction, sustainable sourcing and packaging, and circular economy initiatives.

For Suppliers

How can my company become a LAMP supplier?

Learn about LAMP requirements and evaluation criteria, register in UC's CalUsource procurement platform, subscribe to UC's solicitation notifications, attend pre-proposal conferences, submit a response to an open solicitation, and if awarded, complete onboarding with UC and OMNIA Partners.

What criteria does UC use to evaluate suppliers?

UC uses a best-value approach that includes price and total cost of ownership, quality and performance, sustainability practices, small business and community impact participation, innovation, and value-added services.