Cooperative Sourcing for Higher Ed Research & Science Contracts

At E&I Cooperative Services, we are a buying cooperative that understands the challenges of research and laboratory procurement in higher education. E&I provides flexible, cost-effective cooperative sourcing solutions through trusted suppliers, ensuring compliance, innovation, and streamlined processes for institutional success.

With a 90-year legacy of supporting over 6,000 institutions, E&I stands as the only member-owned, non-profit cooperative dedicated to education, specifically qualified to offer tailored contracts with leading research and scientific suppliers to optimize procurement and resource utilization.

Exclusive Contracts
with Trusted Suppliers

Expedited Procurement Purchasing Process

Comprehensive Research
& Laboratory Solution
Offering

Work With a
Cooperative Partner
You Can Trust

With E&I Cooperative Sourcing Services You Will

AVOID compliance risks or poor performance issues
AVOID time and budget spent on complex RFPs
AVOID being pushed into contracts that don’t fit your needs
AVOID limited supplier choice
AVOID hidden costs due to lack of transparent pricing
AVOID missing out on discounted contract pricing

How to Get Started with Research and Science Cooperative Sourcing

4 Simple Steps

Find Your E&I Rep

Experience a
Consultative,
No Cost Meeting

Discover Best Solutions
for Research & Scientific
Purchasing

Feel Better Knowing
Your Cooperative
Has Your Back

The E&I Cooperative Services Difference

Education: Sourcing. Strategy. Savings®

You don’t have to go it alone. At no cost, you will:

Leverage contracts built specifically for top-tier research institutions, helping you save time and reduce the complexity of vendor management
Reduce delays and disruptions by tapping into a network of reliable, pre-approved suppliers
Experience faster, more efficient purchasing of research supplies across your campus with a streamlined contract process
Access pricing and contract terms designed specifically for educational institutions with a focus on scientific needs
Ensure compliance with the unique rules of your state
Be eligible for money back in the form of rebates
Experience better oversight of contracts through E&I
Be supported by a dedicated E&I representative

What Our Members Say

Dee Ann Schneider, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Director of Purchasing

“Cooperatives have historically been a part of the agriculture business structure, providing supplies, service and marketing functions," explained Dee Ann Schneider, Texas AgriLife Research Director of Purchasing. "E&I provides my agencies with each of these three functions, truly enhancing the value I provide to my customers. The VWR/Avantor Scientific contract is a primary example of that value.”

Michelle Smith, Sourcing Specialist, University of Pittsburgh

"We get all-around support from Medline, in addition to advantageous pricing. When they visit us every week, we understand that this is a dedicated resource they are providing beyond just financial assistance. It has paid off in dividends.”