Procuring lighting for federally funded projects isn't just about choosing fixtures—it’s about meeting performance standards, following federal compliance, staying within budget, and hitting long-term energy goals. That’s a lot to juggle, especially when conventional procurement methods get in the way with delays or generic solutions.
That’s where TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) brings real value. This federally compliant cooperative purchasing program makes it easier for public agencies, school districts, and municipalities to source high-quality lighting quickly, without skipping due process or compromising on technical standards.
In this blog, we’ll explore how TIPS contracts streamline lighting procurement while keeping projects flexible, accountable, and energy efficient. We’ll also explain how aligning with a TIPS-awarded vendor like IKIO can take the stress out of procurement and turn complex lighting upgrades into straightforward solutions.
Procurement isn’t just paperwork—it’s a strategic decision that affects performance, longevity, safety, and energy use. When it comes to lighting, the implications run deeper:
Outdated Fixtures Increase Operational Costs: Traditional lighting systems are energy-intensive and demand frequent maintenance. For large facilities like schools or hospitals, this creates a perpetual drain on resources, often worsened by slow or rigid procurement processes.
Lighting isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Lighting solutions must reflect the unique environment they serve—auditoriums, labs, outdoor spaces, emergency wards, or transit areas all require distinct lumen levels, color temperatures, and controls.
Upgrades Often Conflict with Budget Cycles: Public agencies usually plan upgrades annually or biannually, while lighting system failures and performance lags can strike mid-cycle. Without flexible procurement tools, these disruptions linger.
Compliance Can Be Overwhelming: Projects that tap into federal funding must meet Buy America, BABA, and other compliance requirements. Ensuring lighting vendors understand and integrate these guidelines is non-negotiable.
All of this means public agencies need more than low pricing. They need speed, compliance, and lighting partners who understand the full picture.
Within this framework, it’s essential to work with lighting providers who understand the nuances of both procurement systems and illumination engineering. At IKIO LED Lighting, we’ve spent years aligning our products, services, and expertise to the requirements of TIPS-qualified clients.
Lighting procurement doesn’t need to be complicated. TIPS contracts provide a compliant, time-saving framework, and the right partner turns that framework into real progress.
IKIO is a trusted TIPS-awarded vendor with two active contracts:
24060301 – Lighting Systems, Parts, and Installations
24060302 – Lighting Systems, Parts, and Installations (JOC)
By leveraging these contracts, IKIO offers pre-vetted, compliant lighting solutions with the benefits of exclusive pricing, up to 10% in cost savings, and accelerated project execution. Whether you're managing a retrofit or a new installation, procurement becomes simplified, efficient, and fully aligned with your goals.
TIPS isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a way to work smarter, with qualified vendors and ready-to-go solutions. Here’s how it transforms lighting procurement:
Unlike standard procurement methods, TIPS contracts break down pricing by project needs. That means instead of bundling everything together, you can see separate prices for each type of fixture—like LED retrofit kits for parking lots and motion-sensor lights for restrooms or hallways. This level of detail gives you the freedom to build a lighting plan based on your facility’s actual layout and usage—not a one-size-fits-all package.
Before approval, TIPS subjects each product to a rigorous review process focused on quality standards, operational performance, and compliance requirements. That means the lighting you buy through TIPS has already been tested to meet key energy standards—like DLC certification or Title 24 codes—and works with modern features like dimming controls or Building Management Systems (BMS). It’s more than just a cost check—it’s a quality guarantee.
Many TIPS-approved vendors offer design and photometric services as part of their contract—services that are typically billed separately in traditional models. Clients can request lighting layouts, simulation models, and ROI calculators tailored to their facility’s blueprints, enabling smarter capital planning from day one.
Sometimes, you just can’t wait—like when outdoor lighting fails in a public space or visibility drops in an older school building. Going through a full RFP process can take months, but with TIPS, you can issue a purchase order in just a few days. This faster process helps agencies respond quickly and fix issues before they become bigger problems.
If things go off schedule—like a shipment delay or a contractor issue—TIPS offers built-in support. Their admin office helps mediate and find solutions, adding a layer of oversight you won’t get when working directly with vendors. It keeps your project moving and your team protected.
Public agencies have more than just basic lighting needs. They’re focused on sustainability, safety, and adaptability. TIPS contracts help meet these goals:
Many facilities are targeting net-zero benchmarks, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and local energy mandates. TIPS-approved lighting products often feature advanced controls, DLC Premium certification, and long lifespans for deeper savings.
Schools and healthcare centers are turning to human-centric lighting—tunable white fixtures and circadian-friendly systems. With the right TIPS partner, these technologies are within easy reach.
From storm response to hospital evacuations, lighting needs to perform under pressure. Fixtures with built-in battery backup, surge protection, and instant-on technology are essential—and accessible via TIPS.
Cities are getting smarter, and lighting is part of that evolution. Fixtures today support IoT, sensors, wireless controls, and data tracking—all while staying compliant with cybersecurity protocols. Through TIPS, agencies can source future-ready systems from vendors who know how to integrate seamlessly.
To maximize the potential of a TIPS contract in your next lighting project:
Know what you want—lower utility bills, improved visibility, better safety, or all of the above. Use those goals to guide your vendor selection.
Take advantage of vendor support. TIPS vendors like IKIO often offer free consultations or virtual walkthroughs to help you assess your current lighting and recommend updates.
Look for extended warranties, replaceable components, and post-install audits. These features go a long way toward controlling long-term costs.
Keep all compliance docs on file—Buy America, BABA, DLC, Energy Star certifications, and contract details. It keeps you prepared for audits or grant submissions.
Public-sector projects demand more than just compliant products—they require responsive partners, dependable timelines, and systems that are built for long-term performance. As infrastructure goals become more ambitious, the way we source and implement lighting must evolve with them.
By combining contract-backed flexibility with hands-on technical support, IKIO helps bridge the gap between intent and execution. It's not just about simplifying the process—it's about empowering agencies to lead with confidence, meet mandates with ease, and illuminate spaces with purpose.
