This is a MAJOR ADVANCEMENT for fair roofing competition everywhere. The post previous to this one shows the arrogance of school administrators, and purchasing cooperatives. They are PLAYING with money intended for our children's schools, and safe learning environment.
When a purchasing cooperative/proprietary manufacturer are involved, your tax dollar is immediately cut to 71 cents BEFORE we even get started. I, and others like me, are fighting for fair competition in lieu of "Favoritism", and "Exclusion" of competition.
WE want the money to reach it's intended purpose, not buy fancy boats and cars for "Salesmen".
I'll make this short, and very direct:
Duro-Last announcement on OHIO:
"February 21, 2014
Re: Ohio State Term Schedules
Dear Ohio State Term Schedule Customer:
Duro-Last Roofing has been informed that the future of Ohio State Term Schedules is questionable. The state may be phasing out state term schedules. At this time, the state has not indicated what the alternative means of procurement will be.
Duro-Last Roofing’s Ohio State Term Schedule #800085 has been renewed through
June 30, 2014. We can accept purchase orders through this date for state term schedule projects.
I apologize that currently there is no definite information available. Duro-Last will continue to communicate any new developments with our authorized contractors.
If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at (800) 248-0280 ext. 2223 or csauer@duro-last.com. You may also contact Duro-Last’s Independent Sales Representatives Mike Gottron at (614) 402-2255 or Bryan Gottron at (937) 604-0377.
Best Regards,
Chenelle D. Sauer
Government Sales Administrator
Duro-Last Roofing"
Let's take a look how your government, and certain vendors scam everyone.
http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/ohio-contract.html
Notice, emblazoned across the page is:
Projects Awarded on “Best Value” Rather than Lowest Price
This contract is based off of the General Services Administration (GSA) contracts, allowing state and local agencies to purchase goods and services with the assurance that the competitive bid process has been completed.
Projects are awarded on the basis of “best value,” which is based on system life, warranty, maintenance availability, past performance, and environmental/energy efficiency.
For additional information regarding Garland’s Ohio State Term Schedule, please contact Kathryn Kerber at 800-321-9336 ext. 3518.
Who within that administration possesses a roofing credential of any type? Who determines "Best Value"? What "Measurable Unit" may the taxpayer depend upon?
This is nothing more than the circumvention of public bidding laws.
The answers to those questions in order , are: Nobody, and Garland themselves. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE may they legitimately compete with mainstream manufacturers (read: honorable) like Carlisle Syntec, GAF, or Firestone.
If you FAIRLY bid a public roof system, Garland would NEVER be competitive. How can they when paying 25% "Salesman" commissions, when other manufacturers representatives are salaried?
In 2011, Garland['s top "Salesman" (New Jersey), made $5.4 million dollars. Ask yourself if you (as a taxpayer) received the slightest benefit from that?
I'd bet "NO".
Someone in Ohio is standing up for taxpayers, and as soon as I find out who it is, will publicly thank them here.
Roofing, and Roofing Services do not fall within the purview of "Purchasing Cooperatives". I think I've illustrated that point many times now, and apparently lawmakers are beginning to agree.
I am happy to share this wonderful news with you, and we'll see if the other domino's fall behind them. My prediction is "Yes, they will".
Thank you OHIO for looking into these scams.
Your wellfare is my only concern. I am thankful you care about what I have to say, and spend valuable time with me here.
Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".
Respect,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC 1325620 (Florida)
RobertRSolomon@aol.com