• To provide a single source for the educational resources currently provided through the state's ESDs ensuring that all school districts have equal access to available products and services
• To provide products and services that create economic benefit for schools and lower pricing than a district could get on its own.
• To provide access to high quality learning resources and services to enhance learning opportunities and provide greater variety of curriculum to students regardless of their location.

• The program is called the Washington Learning Source and is managed by the WLS Director at Puget Sound ESD.
• Puget Sound ESD serves as the fiscal agent.
• The Washington Learning Source Advisory Team is responsible for determining content for the Washington Learning Source. All products and services must receive unanimous support from the ESD representatives.

The Washington Learning Source is a cooperative project of the nine Educational Service Districts in Washington State. Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in the state of Washington are political subdivisions of the state that are organized and operate in accordance with state statutes. ESDs provide a range of services to or on behalf of school districts and educational organizations.

ESD enabling legislation is codified in chapter 28A.310 of the Revised Code of Washington. Among other things, Chapter 28A.310 authorizes ESDs to enter into contracts and to provide informational and cooperative services and programs. ESDs, in cooperation with school districts, have explicit authority to establish joint purchasing programs. RCW 28A.310.180(3) and RCW 28A.320.080(3).

Puget Sound ESD established the Washington Learning Source (WLS) cooperative purchasing program in 2006. WLS procures competitive bids for technology software and equipment in accordance with Washington laws and makes its competitive bid available to school districts and other educational or public agencies who want to purchase technology software and equipment for the price and terms set forth in the WLS contract.

WLS provides the opportunity for a school district to avoid the costs associated with procuring its own competitive bid if the district signs an interlocal agreement with an ESD. This is reflected in the Interlocal Cooperation Act, codified in RCW 39.34. According to RCW 39.34.030(5)(b), a school district that has entered into an interlocal agreement with an ESD (or another public agency) is not obligated to comply with the notice requirements in RCW 28A.335.190 for bid solicitations, as long as the ESD (or public agency it signed an interlocal agreement with) complied with the statutory requirements for procuring a competitive bid and posted the bid solicitation on a web site established and maintained by a public agency or purchasing cooperative. Similar provisions are found in other state's intergovernmental cooperation statutes.

School districts, educational organizations and public agencies are encouraged to review their own board policies and regulations to ensure they are acting within their own legal authority when they purchase from a WLS contract.

WLS Process:

• WLS issues an RFP for technology software or equipment based on recommendations from the WLS advisory committee
• RFP is advertised for no less than two (2) weeks on Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) portal page at http://www.ga.wa.gov/webs/
• All sealed responses are recorded and publically opened
• Responses are tabulated and vendors evaluated
• Contract is awarded to vendor(s)

• Use a login to access the easy shopping cart feature
• Take advantage of products that have been selected by the WLS through the competitive bid process and not have to create bids themselves
• Purchase bundled services provided by the ESDs along with products
• Receive ongoing regional support in ESDs areas of expertise
• Find tools, resources, products, and services that improve teaching and learning
• Purchase products at prices lower than a district could get on its own
• Access information about events and projects that lead to improved student achievement
• Read announcements and time-sensitive information.

1. Check first to see whether your district is a member by following the link on the top menu that says Members.
2. If your district or school is not listed, follow the directions below on How to Become a Member District.
3. If your district is a member and you are the authorized purchaser named on the Access Subscription form, log in using the Sign In / Out link on the top menu. You will then be able to use the shopping cart feature of the WLS site.
4. If your district is a member and you are not the authorized purchaser but want to use the shopping cart, contact the person listed as the district contact and ask him/her to send an email to abolam@walearningsource.org granting you permission to use the WLS Shopping Cart. In the meantime, create an account by following the Sign In / Out link on the top menu. Once we receive the email, you will receive an email acknowledging that you have been granted access.
5. To access the shopping cart, click on the icon at the bottom of any product page, and you will be presented with prices in a variety of styles depending on the nature of the product: drop down menus, radio buttons, or check boxes. Make your choice, enter the Quantity for each item; then Add to Cart.
6. After making all your choices, select Checkout.
7. On the One-Page Checkout page, fill in any missing information. Fill in your PO# if your order is complete or enter "In Progress" if you need to contact the vendor for more information.
8. Add any additional notes in the Comments section.
9. Your order will be sent to the vendor to complete and you will receive a confirmation email. To complete the process, fax or email your Purchase Order to the vendor using the fax number provided on the product page.
   

• Follow the membership links on the top border panel.
• Complete an online contact information form.
• Complete and send in an access subscription form (Interlocal agreement) to be signed by your district's governing body