SOVRA is the technology provider behind ARBuy, delivering a streamlined procurement platform for buyers. SOVRA supports the ARBuy program by helping buyers efficiently navigate Marketplace catalogs, make purchases through state contracts, and ensure compliance throughout the procurement process.

ARBuy’s technology was originally built on Periscope, which was later acquired by mdf commerce and is now part of the SOVRA suite of solutions.

A typical question is “What’s in it for me?” Based on independent research and similar State eProcurement initiatives, it’s been proven that eProcurement system brings many benefits to vendors, including: 

• The enablement of catalogs for direct searching and ordering, which makes it easier for purchasers to find what's on contract, understand the products and services, and quickly order. When purchasers can search the web for products, services, information, and solutions it greatly increases visibility and ordering (meaning increased sales). 

• The system and catalogs are available to State agencies and to all Cooperative Purchasing Program Entities (e.g. Arkansas local governments, school districts, counties, and cities), which increases the reach of state contracts. 

• Support as a marketing arm for the statewide contracts to encourage knowledge and use by buyers, providing additional marketing resources directly for statewide contract vendors. 

Vendor fees to fund procurement operations, cooperative programs, and systems are very common across the U.S. These fees are used to modernize the procurement operations and sourcing experience for buyers, as well as improve services to the supplier community. Vendors paying the 1% fee will be able to load their catalogs of products or services for searching and ordering in the ARBuy Marketplace. Many of those vendors can also benefit from promotional campaigns to public sector buyers and assistance with existing and expanded reporting and remittance requirements. 

Statewide contracts will be marketed to Arkansas public purchasing entities. For example, we will advertise online and in print publications about what goods and services are available to buyers. We will manage ongoing outreach throughout the year to buyers, feature participating supplier logos at tradeshows, conduct webinars with suppliers, etc. The ARBuy Marketplace Program will increase the visibility of statewide contracts and result in larger sales volumes for those suppliers. 

Additionally, we have a password protected site with Marketing Communications templates and assets for use in your collateral. Visit it here: ARBuy Vendor Resources

NOTE: If you do not have this password, reach out to suppliers@arbuy.info with your request and they will get right back to you.