NASPO ValuePoint® announces the award of the Master Agreement for WIC Infant Formula Rebate contract to Abbott Nutrition. This competitively solicited contract is awarded by the Lead State of Kansas, offers discounts on the Manufacturer’s wholesale price per unit on infant formula. Through this contract, eligible end users can access the rebate program established by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services Agency in support of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Background on the Initiative
In the early 1990’s, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was required by Congress to perform cost containment on infant formula. In response, state WIC agencies began utilizing a solicitation process to award contracts to a single supplier through an infant formula rebate system. To enhance efficiency and collaboration, nine Western state WIC agencies joined forces to create the Western State Contracting Alliance (WSCA). Today, this initiative has evolved into the NASPO WIC Infant Formula Rebate Alliance, which now includes 24 state WIC agencies, encompassing 14 states, three Tribal Nations, two Tribal Organizations, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. Territories. Collectively, this alliance supports an average of 174,000 infants each month, ensuring that families have access to essential nutrition.
“Through our collaborative efforts, the NASPO WIC Infant Formula Rebate Alliance aspires to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families by ensuring vital nutrition is accessible across numerous states and territories. This initiative highlights our commitment to empowering state agencies through cooperative purchasing, reinforcing our shared mission to support the health and well-being of our communities,” said Nick Hughes, Cooperative Portfolio Manager at NASPO ValuePoint.
Key Benefits of WIC Infant Formula Rebate:
- Provides a contract vehicle for state and local WIC administrators to utilize rebate programs established by the USDA.
- The Master Agreement for the WIC Infant Formula Rebate Program is effective as of January 29, 2025, through January 28, 2030, through the Lead State of Kansas.
“The NASPO staff and Lead State Procurement Office have been invaluable in assisting alliance members with the administration of the WIC infant formula rebate contract and its solicitations,” stated Sheryl Pickering with Washington Department of Health. “The alliance members can count on them to provide outstanding support and technical assistance with understanding the contract provisions and working together to find mutually agreed upon solutions with the contractor. They all have been very supportive of the WIC mission and the work we do in serving lower-income families.”
How to Participate
Participation is limited to 24 state WIC agencies that are a part of the WIC Alliance. If CPOs have any questions, we strongly encourage them to reach out to their designated WIC director, which can be found here.
About the National Association of State Procurement Officials (“NASPO”): NASPO® is a non–profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the chief procurement official of each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. Learn more at www.naspo.org.
About NASPO ValuePoint: NASPO ValuePoint® is the cooperative purchasing division of NASPO, facilitating cooperative public procurement solicitations using a Lead State Model™. NASPO ValuePoint aggregates the demand of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the US territories, their political subdivisions, and other eligible entities, spurring innovation and competition in the marketplace. NASPO ValuePoint delivers best-value, reliable, and competitively sourced cooperative contracts—offering public entities outstanding pricing, favorable terms and conditions, and value-added services. Learn more at www.naspovaluepoint.org.
NASPO®, NASPO ValuePoint®, their logos, and Lead State Model™ are trademarks of the National Association of State Procurement Officials.
Media Contact:
Kate Davila, Director of Marketing and Communications
NASPO
kdavila@naspo.org