Keystone Purchasing Network and PEPPM Enhance School Business Operations through ASBO Partnership

Keystone Purchasing Network and PEPPM Join ASBO International's Corporate Alliance Partnership Program

The education sector is witnessing a significant enhancement in procurement operations with the recent announcement from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). On August 18, 2025, ASBO proudly introduced the Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN) and PEPPM as the latest additions to its Corporate Alliance Partnership program. This strategic collaboration aims to amplify procurement avenues and maximize financial efficiency for school business professionals across the nation.

As Affinity Partners, KPN and PEPPM will work collaboratively with ASBO International to fulfill their mission of providing educational leaders with the essential tools and resources needed to bolster procurement efficiency and compliance. With the introduction of these trusted cooperative purchasing programs, schools can now benefit from competitively bid contracts, solid vendor relationships, and an unambiguous purchasing procedure. This is all designed with one primary goal in mind: to save educational institutions both time and money, while ensuring strict adherence to public procurement laws.

Thomas Caruso, the director of cooperative purchasing at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, expressed his pride in having KPN and PEPPM recognized as ASBO Affinity Partners. Caruso stated that this collaboration underpins a shared commitment to assist school business officials by offering dependable cooperative purchasing solutions. These solutions foster efficiency, transparency, and fiscal accountability. He emphasized, “Through this partnership, we strive to empower educational institutions with access to competitively bid contracts and meaningful cost savings.”

The partnership also brings forth heightened accessibility for ASBO International members to KPN and PEPPM's extensive contract portfolios and educational resources. This means that educational leaders can make more informed and strategic purchasing decisions, leading to informed selections that align with their operational needs.

About KPN and PEPPM

KPN and PEPPM are recognized nationwide cooperative purchasing programs managed by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU). Both programs rely on a transparent and publicly advertised competitive Request for Bids (RFB) process to award contracts to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders, assuring public entities of compliance, savings, and clarity in all purchasing activities. KPN focuses primarily on the operational and facility needs of educational institutions, while PEPPM specializes in technology procurement for a myriad of public agencies. Over the last 45 years, these programs have been instrumental in streamlining purchasing for schools and public organizations, offering a collection of trusted products with discounted pricing and compliant procedures.

For further details about the services offered by KPN and PEPPM, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.thekpn.org and www.peppm.org respectively.

About ASBO International

Founded in 1910, ASBO International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing robust programs, resources, and a global network for K–12 finance and operations decision-makers. The association plays a crucial role in managing budgeting, procurement, facilities, human resources, technology, transportation, and health care within educational institutions. ASBO International upholds high standards in school business management and is dedicated to the effective utilization of educational resources. Offering professional certifications, advocacy, and development opportunities throughout the year, they equip school business officials to deliver operational excellence and ultimately support student success. For more information about ASBO International, visit asbointl.org.