Agencies
Find resources, step-by-step guides, and best practices designed specifically for government agencies using Civic Marketplace. Learn how to create and manage contract opportunities, streamline procurement processes, and connect efficiently with qualified suppliers. Our goal is to empower your agency’s procurement success every step of the way.
General Questions
Find straightforward answers to frequently asked questions about using Civic Marketplace. This collection covers common topics, platform features, troubleshooting tips, and helpful advice to ensure you have the information you need quickly and easily.
There is no cost for an organization to purchase using contracts. Suppliers are charged a minimal fee to offset the cost of administering the program.
The platform hosts a wide variety of pre-vetted cooperative contracts, including but not limited to:
- Information technology
- Office supplies and equipment
- Public safety and emergency services
- Public works and utilities
- Municipal management
- Community and economic development
Contracts are awarded through TXShare, and we are continuously adding new ones. Visit our marketplace page for the latest contract listings.
If you need assistance, contact our support team at support@civicmarketplace.com. We strive to respond as quickly as possible.
The Alliance for Innovation (AFI) is a nonprofit association of the most innovative local governments. The AFI Purchasing Cooperative was formed by AFI to make it easy for public agencies across the nation to buy off of each other’s and off of various other participating coop’s properly bid contracts through reciprocity agreements under the AFI Coop umbrella. AFI also conducts bid’s itself when that best serves the interests of its’ members.
Civic Marketplace offers several key benefits:
- Efficiency: Simplified procurement processes reduce time and administrative burden.
- Cost Savings: Collaborative purchasing opportunities offer better pricing and terms.
- Compliance: Contracts adhere to procurement regulations.
- Diverse Supplier Access: Support for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) to strengthen local economies.
- Transparency: Full visibility into contract details, vendor performance, and procurement analytics.
Civic Marketplace has developed a model policy for the use of Cooperative Purchasing Agreements for local governmental agencies. Most agencies have formal, written purchasing manuals; however, not all have chapters or sections establishing policies and procedures for the use of cooperative purchasing.
The model policy below was established using best practices and guidance from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and local governmental agencies such as the cities of Dallas, McKinney, and others.
TXShare is a public-sector cooperative purchasing program operated under the Texas Local Government Code, specifically:
- Chapter 791 – Interlocal Cooperation Act
- Chapter 252 – Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Municipalities
These statutes authorize Texas governmental agencies to enter into cooperative agreements that amplify their purchasing power, reduce costs, and streamline procurement operations.
Civic Marketplace is an innovative procurement platform designed to help local governments streamline purchasing, save time, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations. We host industry leading cooperative contracts awarded through a number of cooperative partners including TXShare, a program by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). Through this collaboration, we provide access to a wide range of pre-vetted suppliers and 100% legally compliant cooperative contracts.
Model Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Policy for Public Agencies
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is rapidly becoming part of everyday public operations—from automating routine workflows to analyzing complex data that informs public decisions. As these technologies mature, local governments face a new challenge: how to adopt A.I. responsibly, transparently, and in a way that strengthens public trust.
Getting Started
Initial setup guides for new users
You can simply visit www.civicmarketplace.com, click "Login” (top right) and follow the prompts to create your agency profile. You’ll be able to start browsing and searching for contracts immediately.
If your agency has not already been whitelisted, you will be prompted to request access during the sign up process.
Civic Marketplace has achieved SOC 2 Type I compliance, which means we have implemented key security controls and procedures that meet the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. This certification demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding your agency’s data and maintaining a secure and reliable platform for procurement.
Yes! Agencies can create multiple user accounts, with different levels of access to streamline collaboration across departments.
Marketplace
Discover everything you need to effectively use Civic Marketplace, from exploring available opportunities to managing your interactions. Learn how to search, filter, respond to listings, and optimize your experience to get the best results
When you join Civic Marketplace, you will be assigned a dedicated Customer Success Manager, who will be your first point of contact. You can also use our AI-powered assistant to search for contract-related information.
- If your question is about a TXShare contract, you can contact TXShare directly at TXShare@nctcog.org.
- For all other inquiries, your Customer Success Manager or our support team (support@civicmarketplace.com) will assist you.
First, confirm your organization has an executed TXShare Master Interlocal Agreement. The procurement process is simple:
- Use the AI-powered search feature to find cooperative contracts.
- Review contract details, pricing, and vendor profiles.
- Contact vendors through Civic Marketplace, with support from our team.
- Award contracts confidently, knowing they are compliant and pre-vetted.
Each contract page has its own instructions for purchasing.
All vendors on the platform have been pre-vetted by TXShare and meet compliance requirements based on:
- Texas Local Government Code 252 and 791
- Federal Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200
TXShare contracts also follow these compliance guidelines.
We are continuously expanding our offerings. If you need something not currently available, reach out to us! We will work with TXShare and other cooperative purchasing partners to find a solution.