Tennessee CPO Local Chronicle - July 2025

Monday, July 14, 2025 | 08:32am

In this newsletter:

• Message from Laitin Beecham, Director of Category Management
• Employee Spotlight
• Statewide Contract Spotlight
• Statewide Contracts Updates
• Local Government Purchasing Forum Recap
• Survey for Local Users on Statewide Contract usage
• Quick Links

Message from Laitin Beecham, Director of Category Management - CPO

Dear Local Government Users,

The State of Tennessee, Central Procurement, is excited to introduce our very first newsletter designed specifically for you - our local users of statewide contracts—counties, cities, municipalities, universities, and other local government entities across Tennessee.

Our goal with this newsletter is simple: to keep you informed, supported, and connected. Each edition will highlight updates to statewide contracts, upcoming opportunities, helpful tips, and resources tailored to your needs. Whether you're navigating compliance requirements, exploring new contract options, or looking for ways to streamline purchasing, we’re here to help.

We’re also launching a feature called “Ask CPO.” Have a question about using a statewide contract? Wondering how others handle specific procurement challenges? Submit your questions, and we may feature them (anonymously) in a future newsletter to help others who may be wondering the same thing.

We know your time is valuable, so we’ll keep it relevant and concise—and always welcome feedback on what you'd like to see featured.

Thank you for your continued partnership in serving Tennesseans. We look forward to growing this connection with you!

Laitin W. Beecham
Laitin.Beecham@tn.gov
Director of Category Management

Image of Richard Kolter

Employee Spotlight – Richard Kotler

How long have you been with the State? Twelve years this coming November.

What’s your favorite hobby? Reading. I’ve read over 1,000 books on subjects as diverse as mysteries, science fiction, religion, philosophy, business, and autobiographies.

Do you have a favorite spot in Tennessee? The Gatlinburg area

Education:  Tennessee Technological University Engineering degree and Vanderbilt University MBA.

Work History: NASA (Propulsion Engineer); US Army Missile Command (Director, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory); Asurion (Director Purchasing); Partner, Nashville Consulting Group: Nortel Networks (Vice President, Global Procurement and Technology); State of Tennessee (Category Specialist).

Boards and Engagements: NASPO/ValuePoint 2019 George Cronin Gold Award for Innovation in State Procurement; Chairman, Board of Directors STACK International; Director Advisory Board, Center of Advanced Purchasing Studies, Arizona State University; Speaker/Lecturer, Supply Chain Management Vanderbilt University; Advisor, One Patent-Automating Wiring Harness Manufacture; Mentor/Consulting to Diversity Small Businesses.

On what contracts are you listed as the Contract Administer? SWC 107 Computer Data Storage, SWC 423 General Radios, SWC 424 Public Safety Radios, SWC 425 Tennessee Advanced Radio Network, SWC 433 Digital Hybrid Key Systems, SWC 450 License Plate Readers, SWC 811 Cellular Services and Equipment, SWC 911 Firstnet Service (First Responder), SWC 3017 Mass Notification Software, SWC 3998 Microwave Equipment.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto? “It ain’t over til its over” –Yogi Berra

Do you have any advice for locals wishing to utilize SWCs? USE THEM! There is a tremendous amount of opportunity to save time and money if you use as many of the Statewide Contracts as you can. The time and effort to establish them has been done for you, so you can focus on the things that are special/important to your local government entity. You don’t need to worry about terms and conditions, the general and/or specific scope, length of the contract, who the suppliers’ contacts are, contract status, and the availability of someone—the Category Specialist—to help you procure what you need, when you need it.

🔦 Statewide Contract Spotlight: SWC 234 FTA Funded Vans and Buses

The SWC 234 Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Vans and Buses contract is effective from November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2028, pending renewal options. It  is managed by Mid-South Bus Center, Inc. (#80798), Model 1 Commercial Vehicles Inc. (#80810), and Central States Bus Sales (#80814), with Mike Neely (Michael.T.Neely@tn.gov) overseeing as the Contract Administrator.

Suppliers must comply with stringent FTA, ADA, and TN CPO standards, including specific regulations and welding procedures, and ensure vehicles pass the Altoona Bus Testing Center's performance benchmarks.

The contract offers a diverse fleet ranging from non-ADA transit vans to various ADA-compliant vehicles, with a 365-day delivery window post-purchase order. Customization options cover seating, accessibility features, and technological enhancements, subject to discussions with suppliers.

SWC 234 FTA Funded Vans and Buses

📣 SWC Recent Updates:  📣

New Contract Awards :

SWC 303 Equipment Maintenance Management Services – The RFP resulted in the award of a contract with Specialty Underwriters LLC (#87268), which is now fully executed. The contract took effect June 1, 2025, with two one-year renewal options. The Usage Instructions have been updated to reflect new discount percentages and equipment categories.
Contract Administrator: Taylor Dozier (Taylor.Dozier@tn.gov)  Taylor Dozier

SWC 439 Dental Supplies and Equipment – Two contracts have been awarded to Dental Health Products (DHP) (#86196) and Henry Schein (#87041) through the MMCAP cooperative. The contract with DHP began on April 1, 2025, and the contract with Henry Schein takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Contract Administrator: Celena Milliken (Celena.Milliken@tn.gov) Celena Milliken

SWC 503 Summer Road Maintenance and Materials – The ITB resulted in the award of 31 contracts. All thirty-one contracts have been fully executed as of June 30, 2025.  The initial contract term ends March 31, 2028, with two one-year renewal options.
Contract Administrator: Amber Lovell (Amber.Lovell@tn.gov) Amber Lovell

SWC 507 Rock Salt – The ITB resulted in the award of three new contracts with Morton Salt (#87297), Cargill Inc. (#87298), and Compass Minerals America Inc. (#87299), which are now fully executed.  The initial term of the contract ends May 31, 2028, with two one-year renewal options.
Contract Administrator: Lauryen Harris (lauryen.harris@tn.gov) Lauryen Harris

SWC 521 Laundry Detergents and Compounds – The CPO, via the CMRA Certification Committee, has exercised a one-year recertification. The new contract number is 87571, which
began on July 1, 2025.  
Contract Administrator: Adam Mamula (Adam.Mamula@tn.gov) Adam Mamula

Renewals and Extensions

SWC 191 Slope Stabilization Services – CPOhas extended contracts with Geostabilization International LLC (#66906) and Hinkle Environmental Services LLC (#66907) for six months to allow more time for the procurement. The contracts now expire on December 12, 2025, with no renewal options remaining. The solicitation documents are in the final stages
of development.
Contract Administrator: Amber Lovell (Amber.Lovell@tn.gov) Amber Lovell

SWC 269 Biomedical & Pathological Waste Disposal Services – CPO has exercised the first renewal options for the contract with Sharps Compliance Inc. (#NV75870).  The new expiration date is August 17, 2026, with a one-year renewal option remaining.
Contract Administrator: Seth Lake (seth.lake@tn.gov) Seth Lake

SWC 316 Office Supplies – CPO has processed an amendment to extend the current contract with ODP Business Solutions (NV67054) for six months. The agreement now expires on December 30, 2025.
Contract Administrator: Will London (william.london@tn.gov) Will London

SWC 319, Satellite Comm Software & Hardware – CPO processed the final renewal with NI Government Services Inc. (#71538). The new expiration date is now August 31, 2026. 
Contract Administrator: Ryan Gaddin (Ryan.Gaddis@tn.gov) Ryan Gaddis

SWC 424 Motorola Radio Equipment and Services – The current Motorola Radio contract (#65725) is due to expire on September 14, 2025. The catalog was updated on March 18, 2025, so new local government requirements are available. If necessary, the contract may be extended through December 14, 2025. The replacement contract has been developed and will be provided to the supplier so negotiations can be started. 
Contract Administrator: Richard Kotler (Richard.Kotler@tn.gov) Richard Kotler  

SWC 747 Travel Services – CPO has exercised the first of two renewal options for Duluth Travel Inc. (#75330).  The new expiration date is June 30, 2026, with a one-year renewal option remaining.                                                               
Contract Administrator: Lauryen Harris (lauryen.harris@tn.gov) Lauryen Harris

SWC 811 Cellular Devices, Services, and Business Solutions – T-Mobile (#64341) and Verizon (#NV64345) contracts have been extended until October 31, 2025. Negotiations with the four qualified carriers are continuing and almost complete. 
Contract Administrator: Richard Kotler (Richard.Kotler@tn.gov) Richard Kotler

SWC 3008 Esri/GIS Software – CPO has extended the contract with Environmental Systems Research Institute (67412) for six months. The contract expires on January 14, 2026.
Contract Administrator: Connor Petschke (Connor.Petschke@tn.gov) Connor Petschke

SWC 3019 Esper Software – CPO is working on the second one-year renewal of this contract #72788. The current contract’s expiration date is August 31, 2025.
Contract Administrator: Zohreh Hurd (Zohreh.Hurd@tn.gov) Zohreh Hurd

SWC 3054 SAS Software – CPO is working on the final renewal of the contract with SAS Institute (#72788). The current contract expires on October 28, 2025.
Contract Administrator: Zohreh Hurd (Zohreh.Hurd@tn.gov) Zohreh Hurd

Solicitation Updates

SWC 205 Vehicle Rental – ARFP was issued on March 6, 2025.  The protest period concluded on June 30, 2025, with no protests. CPO is currently working with STS and legal to review redlines. The current contract with Enterprise (#65939) is being amended to extend to September 19, 2025, pending approval.
Contract Administrator: Kelly Bekele (kelly.bekele@tn.gov) Kelly Bekele

SWC 226 Winter Road Maintenance Equipment: – CPO has issued ITB 32110-13675. The response deadline was July 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT. CPO received four responses and is currently working through clarifications and negotiations.
Contract Administrator: Will London (william.london@tn.gov)  Will London

SWC 331 Ammunition – ITB RFI event is active. The Questions and Comments portion of the solicitation ended July 11, 2025. CPO is finalizing responses to the Questions and Comments. ITB will post once finalized.
Contract Administrator: Kristine Mitchell (Kristine.Mitchell@tn.gov) Kristine Mitchell

SWC 386 Audiovisual and Video Conference Room – CPO is working on the procurement for Video Conferencing systems. The procurement will result in two separate contracts. The first contract will provide packaged VC Systems with the support of the STS-UCC team. It has been awarded and will be finalized soon. The second contract will provide an option for purchasing custom solutions without the support or involvement of the STS-UCC team and is currently being procured. 
Contract Administrator: Connor Petschke (Connor.Petschke@tn.gov) Connor Petschke

SWC 530 Pharmaceutical Products – The Master Agreement with Cardinal Health (#64726) through the MMCAP cooperative has been extended to December 31, 2025, while negotiations are still ongoing. MMCAP is facilitating negotiations between the selected wholesaler and the State. The State is working to have a new contract in place as soon as possible, but this extension ensures a smooth transition between contracts.
Contract Administrator: Celena Milliken (Celena.Milliken@tn.gov) Celena Milliken

SWC 3008 Esri/GIS Software – CPO is working on the reprocurement of this contract (67412). The current contract has been extended until January 14, 2026, to allow time to finalize negotiations.
Contract Administrator: Connor Petschke (Connor.Petschke@tn.gov) Connor Petschke

MOUs and Amendments

SWC 136 Pest Control Services – MOU #5 added sixty-two TDOT and Military locations to the contract with Middle Tennessee Exterminating (#NV77045). The MOU was executed on July 1, 2025.  
Contract Administrator: Taylor Dozier (Taylor.Dozier@tn.gov)  Taylor Dozier

SWC 331 Ammunition – CPO is processing a price increase on twenty-three core line items on Gulf State Distributors (#75506) and is pending approval by the Fiscal Review Committee at the August FRC meeting.
Contract Administrator: Kristine Mitchell (Kristine.Mitchell@tn.gov) Kristine Mitchell

SWC 387 MSP for Contract Labor – MOU #13 was executed on June 26, 2025, to reclassify a General Admin to a Medical role.
Contract Administrator: Kelly Bekele (kelly.bekele@tn.gov) Kelly Bekele

SWC 531 Birth Control Devices (Condoms) – CPO is processing an amendment to extend the contracts with B Holding Group, LLC (#78929), Global Protection Corp, (#78931), and Lifestyles US Opco dba SXWELL USA, LLC (#78933) through June 30, 2026.
Contract Administrator: Celena Milliken (Celena.Milliken@tn.gov) Celena Milliken

SWC 533 Influenza Vaccine Distributor – CPO processed an amendment to extend the contract with FFF Enterprises Inc. (#65915). The expiration date for this contract is September 30, 2025. MMCAP is finishing negotiations to solicit vaccine distributors. Once completed, the CPO will analyze the awarded vendors and draft a Participating Addendum (PA) for at least one of the awarded vendors.
Contract Administrator: Celena Milliken (Celena.Milliken@tn.gov) Celena Milliken

April 1, 2025 - Local Government Purchasing Forum Information:

The Local Government Purchasing Forum webpage provides information on CPO’s most recent event, which took place on April 1, 2025. There are recorded sessions and PowerPoint presentations on:

  • TN SmartShop
  • Cooperatives 101
  • Building Positive Supplier Relationships
  • Go-DBE
  • Managing Crisis with TEMA
  • Optimizing Tech Procurement with Statewide Contracts
  • Streamlining Services with Statewide Contracts
  • Understanding Statewide Contracts for Commodities
  • Partners for Health

It will be updated with details for upcoming forums when available. It also includes helpful resources for local government agencies seeking to use statewide contracts.

  • Contract Descriptions: Offers brief summaries of each statewide contract and indicates whether they are available for local government use. You can use the Ctrl + F function to quickly search for specific terms.
  • Usage Instructions: Provides direct guidance on how to use each contract, along with contact information for the contract administrator.
  • Relevant Documents: Links to the SWC webpage where you can access all key documents related to each contract, including amendments, product catalogs, and more.

Local Government Purchasing Forum

Use of Statewide Contracts (SWCs) by Local Governments Survey

The State of Tennessee Central Procurement Office (CPO) is seeking feedback to understand if and how federal or grant-related requirements have impacted your ability to use Statewide Contracts (SWCs). Please take a moment to share your feedback in the survey linked below.

Use of Statewide Contracts (SWCs) by Local Governments Survey

Have a Question? Ask CPO!

Follow the link here in order to ask a question or submit a topic that may be addressed in a future newsletter!

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We want your feedback!

 Procurated
The CPO has partnered with Procurated to gather reviews of our Statewide Contractors. Procurated can be accessed via CPO’s website. Simply click the Write a Statewide Contractor Review button at the top of the page to access the Tennessee CPO Procurated page. Statewide Contract suppliers are sorted alphabetically. If you have questions, please contact the CPO at CPO.SWC@tn.gov.