E&I Partners With the Higher Education Systems and Services Consortium

JERICHO, NY – E&I Cooperatives Services (E&I) and the Higher Education Systems and Services Consortium (HESS), a nonprofit organization for private colleges and universities, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work collectively to help members connect and save money through technology and services software agreements.

As part of the MOU, E&I has committed to aid in the development, negotiation and management of HESS’s ERP and ancillary administrative software agreements, providing HESS members with access to competitively researched and negotiated features and pricing from its software partners.

“This is a perfect relationship for E&I’s new technology initiatives,” states Keith Fowlkes, co-founder of HESS and VP of E&I’s Technology Category.  “The connection between E&I and HESS brings new resources to both of our organizations.”

“Our HESS leadership team has known since the beginning that we needed assistance and expertise in contract development and negotiations,” states Bob Keasler, HESS Board of Directors president. “This relationship with E&I brings the HESS Consortium members the expertise it needs, while helping E&I better connect with technology leaders in HESS’s growing number of smaller, private, non-profit member institutions.”

This alliance marks a new initiative for E&I to more closely engage with small and mid-sized private institutions on their shared technology contract needs. “We see this as a natural partnership with shared goals to serve our collective members more effectively,” said Tom Fitzgerald, CEO, E&I Cooperative Services. “I’m confident E&I and HESS can help make the technology buying process more efficient for our member institutions.”

About HESS
The Higher Education Systems & Services Consortium (hessconsortium.org) is a fully incorporated 501c3 nonprofit, membership-run organization.  Made up of chief financial officers, chief information officers as well as technology and finance directors, HESS is focused on collectively lowering costs and increasing collaboration between private colleges and universities in the area of administrative systems and services.

About E&I
E&I Cooperative Services (E&I) is the member-owned, not-for-profit sourcing cooperative delivering expertise, solutions and services to education and related institutions. E&I provides members with access to a diverse portfolio of competitively awarded contracts, electronic procurement solutions and consulting services to help them source effectively. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of nearly 4,100 member institutions, E&I helps members reduce costs and optimize supply chain efficiencies. The Cooperative’s member-driven competitive solicitation process has been validated by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) as being in compliance with generally accepted procurement standards. For more information, please visit: www.eandi.org

Featured

  • DLR Group Hires Higher Education Business Development Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that Senior Associate Megan Todd will serve as its new Higher Education Business Development Leader, according to a news release. Her responsibilities will include building the firm’s reach and client relationships in the California higher education sector, based out of San Diego.

  • Design Firm Populous Acquires Fentress Architects

    Design firm Populous, which specializes in sports and entertainment venues, recently announced its acquisition of Fentress Architects, based in Denver, Colo., according to a news release. Fentress’ primary focus is aviation projects and public buildings like museums, convention centers, and government facilities

  • Agualta STEAM Engine

    Outdoor Learning Spaces and Biophilic Design Create Community in East Los Angeles

    Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School's Agualta STEAM Engine blends education, community, and nature through its adaptable design.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

Digital Edition