What is the MCUA?

The Master Contracts Usage Agreement (MCUA) is a one-time agreement necessary to meet statutory requirements allowing qualifying organizations to use Washington State master contracts. Cooperative purchasing through state contracts provides organizations that have agreed to terms and conditions the opportunity to save millions of dollars annually by pooling resources to leverage the market through volume discounts. Authorized organizations are provided access to over 1,500 vendors supplying goods and services through master contracts to meet all the business needs of their organization at no cost.

Legislation

• WAC 236-49-060
• WAC 200-310-010
• RCW 39.26.050
• RCW 43.19

How much does it cost?

There is no cost for the Master Contracts Usage Agreement.

Who can sign a MCUA?

• State Agencies
• State Boards
• State Commissions
• Higher Education Institutions
• Offices of Separate Elected Officials
• Local Government Agencies
• Federal Agencies
• Washington State Tribal Entities
• Public Benefit Non-profit (PBNP)
  • Organization with 501(C)3 tax status that have filed PBNP status with the Secretary of State. For filing information, go to http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/.
  • More information about purchasing agreements with Public Benefit Non-profit: RCW 39.34.055.
  • More information about Public Benefit Non-profit designation: RCW 24.03.490.

How do I join?

1. Check the signed agreement list.
   1. If you are not on this list:

• Download and print the Master Contracts Usage Agreement (MCUA)

• Fill out and sign MCUA (including any supporting documentation)

1. Non-profit organizations must include:

• IRS Confirmation of 501(c) 3 status.
• Washington Secretary of State Public Benefit Non-Profit (PBNP) filing print out
• Statement of funding source(s) (e.g., local, state or federal funds)

• Scan and email signed copy of MCUA (and any supporting documentation) to: MCUA@des.wa.gov
  or
  Mail signed copy (and supporting documentation) to:
  DES
  MCUA, ATTN: Contracts Resource Center
  Box 41408
  Olympia, WA 98504-1408
   
• A fully executed copy will be scanned and returned to you via email.

If you have questions, please call the Master Agreement Service Desk (360) 407-2210 or email MCUA@des.wa.gov.

What can I buy?

You can purchase a wide variety of goods and services. Contracts are searchable. The following are a few examples of the most-used contracts:

• Vehicles (heavy duty and passenger)
• Copiers
• Office equipment and supplies
• Purchasing card
• Infant formula
• Radio equipment
• Fuel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Furniture
• Food
• Emission inspection service
• Industrial supplies
• Travel services
• Landscaping equipment
• Paint (various kinds)
• Electronic monitoring services
• Electrical supplies
• Janitorial services

How do I make a purchase with a state contract?

First, check the signed agreement list. Once you have a current signed MCUA:

• Use our contract search to find a contract or learn about special purchasing programs
• Identify a vendor on the contract you wish to use
• Contact the vendor citing the contract number you wish to use, contract name and provide your customer number.

What if I have additional questions?

• Call (360) 407-2210 or email MCUA@des.wa.gov
• Please reference the Master Contracts Usage Agreement when asking your question.

NEW! Comprehensive contract and procurement training available to MCUA members

The Department of Enterprise Services makes its comprehensive state contract and procurement training available to non-state employees, including those with master contracts usage agreements. Anyone in your organization who makes purchases or manages contracts can benefit from this training. Through this training, we can improve relationships within the business community by learning about best practices, ethics, laws, and resources so that we can all work towards reducing risk and being good stewards of public dollars.

Learn more about non-state employee contract and procurement training.

Services available as a MCUA member

The following services are available as part of the MCUA:

• Training and events
• WEBS
• Access to Master contracts*
• Access to the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA)
• Join Purchasing mailing list to receive email broadcast bulletins
• IT Brokering and Procurement Consultation
• IT Master Contracts
• Tier II Contract for Janitorial Services
• Single Purchase Requests
• Contracting and Purchasing Consulting

*Some contracts may not be available for use by all MCUA. See the individual contract summary for who is eligible to use the contract.