FireRescue GPO is a national group-purchasing program available to you -- free of charge -- in partnership with your Division of the IAFC This program brings you the convenience of group purchasing with the collective buying power of thousands of fire departments across the country. The program is called “FireRescue GPO” and it was started by the Western Fire Chiefs Association in 2001.

FireRescue GPO functions as a facilitator of national contract pricing on equipment, supplies and services fire departments use everyday. There are two types of contracts available: “publicly awarded” and “negotiated”. Publicly awarded contracts are created through a procurement/bid process (or RFP). These Cooperative Procurement Agreements contain language that allows for “piggybacking” by other fire departments that have joined FireRescue GPO, thus avoiding the need to create an RFP or bid process themselves. The second type of Agreement is aggressively negotiated and provides national tier pricing.

FireRescue GPO is not a retailer. Purchases are made directly from the vendor or distributor – in many cases the same ones you already work with! In order to utilize these contracts you must be a member of the FireRescue GPO, which is free and voluntary. There is no obligation or commitment, simply register on the website (www.firerescue-gpo.com) to create your free account. Contracts and pricing information is available to members through the website or through the customer service line (800) 810-3909.

In addition to helping fire departments save money, the program generates revenue for your Division Association and State Chiefs Association where the purchase was made. The revenue comes from reasonable fees that the vendors pay when a purchase is made through the program. Check out the FireRescue GPO today at www.firerescue-gpo.com. It is free, easy, helps the fire service, and who knows – you just might save some time and money on your next purchase!