By Lisa Kilgore, SLED Contract Specialist

The Oklahoma statewide technology contract, SW1041EC, provides an efficient and effective route to market. While larger states such as Texas and California have well-established contract vehicles like the Texas DIR and California's SLP/CMAS, statewide contracts in states such as Oklahoma may sometimes be underutilized because of limited internal promotion resources.

Oklahoma and similar states are ripe to emulate the success immixGroup has had with states like Texas.  Looking at Oklahoma as the example, the state is currently moving all software-as-a-service (SaaS) contracts to SW1041 and is phasing out NASPO on those contracts.

As a holder of an Oklahoma SW1041EC contract, immixGroup has the tools necessary to evangelize the contract opportunity, raise awareness of it and drive more business towards that state contract. By doing so, solution providers and vendors can benefit from lower fees and more competitive pricing and deliver increased value to their customers.

Large cooperatives offer a convenient market route for solutions providers and vendors. However, having multiple options is beneficial to meeting the diverse needs of SLED customers. For many procurement professionals, personal preference and familiarity play crucial roles in the decision-making processes. Statewide contract vehicles provide reliable support and backing, making them a preferred option because of their familiar terms and conditions that resonate with many agencies.

For solutions providers and vendors aiming to expand their footprint in the SLED market, investing in statewide contracts held by smaller states can offer a strategic advantage. These contracts streamline access to market while aligning with local procurement needs, enhancing competitiveness and fostering long-term relationships with SLED entities.

immixGroup offers resources to support our solutions providers and vendors in navigating the statewide contract landscape, such as:

1. Market intelligence. Our market intelligence team is made up of experienced public sector analysts and consultants who focus exclusively on IT hardware and software manufacturers and their solution providers. This specialized team provides actionable insights to help you win more business in federal and SLED.
   • Briefings on agencies, programs, and technology categories
   • Organization charts and call lists to identify key contacts
   • Custom research and consulting projects tailored to your business objectives
   • Sales pipeline development initiatives
   • Opportunity identification and development to uncover new business prospects
   • Grant and funding identification to pinpoint available financial resources.
2. Dedicated sales and operational support. Our in-territory sales experts assist in understanding the market, end-user requirements and ensuring a smooth order and delivery process. Our operational team provides accurate, timely quotes and processes orders efficiently, moving deals along seamlessly.
3. SLED compliance support. Our legal and compliance professionals are well-versed in the requirements of doing business in the SLED market. They offer comprehensive assistance in negotiating terms and conditions, ensuring that your organization meets all necessary legal and regulatory requirements. This support includes navigating complex procurement regulations, meeting reporting requirements, and maintaining compliance with state-specific mandates.

If you are interested in discovering more about the SW1041EC contract, contact us.