Q: What contracts does the Health Council offer?
A: Currently, there are approximately 50 group purchasing contracts offered through the Council, including food service, materials management, and human resources contracts. All hospital and affiliate Council members are eligible to participate in committed and non-committed contracts.

Q: What are committed and non-committed contracts?
A: In key areas where dollar expenditures are high and performance levels critical, Council members and vendors prefer our committed contract process. Members participate by committing their volume for best results. Vendors awarded the contract then benefit from receiving committed volume upfront, as well as growth down the road. For example, our dairy contract began with 13 committed members and today boasts over 100 member facilities. Non-committed contracts are negotiated in areas that don't meet the criteria above but are still important to members. Vendors still benefit from marketing efforts and support of the Council.

Q: How does the Health Council award contracts?
A: Our members are the driving force behind our group purchasing contracts; we secure contracts based upon their direction. Those niche areas deemed advantageous for group purchasing are presented to our members for their input on whether a contract should be pursued. The Council distributes Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to potential vendors, compiles the submitted proposals, and presents the results to our members. Contract awards are determined by Council members.

Q: How can my company take advantage of opportunities to get connected with Council members?
A: There are many chances for companies to connect with Council members. Solutions, our annual health care conference and expo, offers both sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Also, companies who become Associate Members have the opportunity to meet with top health professionals and learn about timely health care events and issues affecting the Greater Cincinnati community.