COSTARS Cooperative Purchasing Program

What is COSTARS?

COSTARS, a cooperative purchasing program, enables Pennsylvania local governments and state-affiliated organizations to purchase supplies and services through state-managed contracts, providing access to competitive pricing and a simpler purchasing process. This government cooperative purchasing approach gives you access to competitive pricing without the time and cost of running your own competitive bidding process.

The COSTARS Program combines the purchasing power of thousands of Pennsylvania organizations to negotiate better prices with suppliers. Whether you're a municipality, school district, or nonprofit, cooperative procurement simplifies and improves cost-effectiveness.

Program Goals

Legal Authority: The Commonwealth Procurement Code provides the statutory authority for member entities to engage in cooperative purchasing with the Commonwealth.

Quick Access

Select what you need to get started with COSTARS

Become a COSTARS Member

Join the COSTARS Program and save on purchases for your organization

Click to Become a Member

COSTARS Member Login

Access your COSTARS member account, manage your profile, and register for road salt

Click for Member Login

Browse Vendor Contracts

Search our library of 100+ pre-negotiated vendor contracts

Click to Browse Contracts

Become a COSTARS Supplier

Learn how to register as a COSTARS supplier and reach 9,500+ Pennsylvania buyers

Click to Become a Supplier

Supplier Bidding Opportunities

View current bidding opportunities for COSTARS-exclusive contracts

Click for Bidding Opportunities

COSTARS Member & Supplier Training Center

Online training modules for COSTARS members and suppliers

Click for the Training Center

View All Resources

Stay informed about upcoming events and explore the program through our webinars, newsletters, and additional resources

Click to View All Resources

Getting Started with COSTARS

For Members

Local governments, schools, libraries, and nonprofits can join COSTARS to access pre-negotiated contracts and competitive pricing.

  • Verify your organization's eligibility
  • Complete the member registration form
  • Receive confirmation and member access
  • Browse contracts and start purchasing

For Suppliers

Businesses of all sizes can become COSTARS suppliers to reach thousands of potential buyers across Pennsylvania.

  • Register in the PA Supplier Portal
  • Obtain your six-digit vendor number
  • Respond to contract solicitations
  • Start doing business with members

Contact Us

Phone

Speak with a COSTARS representative

1-866-768-7827

Email

Send us your questions or feedback

gs-pacostars@pa.gov

Fax

Send documents via fax

717-783-6241