Savvik Buying Group

What Savvik Buying Group does

Savvik Buying Group (legally North Central EMS Corporation, dba Savvik) is a Minnesota-based non-profit Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) founded in 1997 that aggregates procurement volume for public safety agencies across the United States. It serves more than 17,000 member agencies in all 50 states through 59 state and national association partners, channeling those agencies to more than 80 contracted vendors across categories including ambulance vehicles, medical equipment and supplies, stretchers and power cots, ePCR/billing/dispatch software, body armor and protective gear, station alerting, and pharmaceuticals. Contracts are publicly bid through Eagle County Health Service District under Colorado statutes (§24-110-101/102) and 2 CFR 200, making them legally usable in all U.S. jurisdictions without re-bidding.

The technology stack is deliberately light and built around two web properties: the savvik.com member portal (vendor directory, quote requests, contract documentation, member account management) and savvikStore.com, a Shopify-based e-commerce storefront launched in 2022 for direct retail purchases of tactical gear, uniforms, oxygen, and related public safety products. The organization's proprietary asset is its bid-process infrastructure and contract management system, not the web platform itself. Adjacent products include AMBER cost data collection software (licensed via American Ambulance Association), Savvik Perks (a discount network with 700,000+ merchant locations), and grant-writing services via Research and Project Management LLC.

Savvik's revenue model is transaction-based: vendors pay an administrative fee calculated as a percentage of member purchases flowing through competitively bid contracts. The fee is not charged to members, who join for free with no minimum purchasing commitments. Savvik redistributes one-third of its earnings quarterly to association partners whose members use the contracts, and channels additional revenue to the Savvik Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2000 that funds industry research, education, and the copyrighted Community Paramedic curriculum. Go-to-market is a hybrid of channel-partner distribution (59 association partners include Savvik membership in their dues structure) and direct sales via a small business development team attending 30+ industry conferences annually.

Name

Savvik Buying Group

Legal name

North Central EMS Corporation

Website

https://savvik.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Savvik Buying Group is a non-profit Group Purchasing Organization founded in 1997 that provides free membership and publicly bid cooperative purchasing contracts to 17,000+ public safety agencies across all 50 U.S. states, generating revenue through administrative fees from 80+ contracted vendors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Group Purchasing Organization Services

akta.pro primary industry

Public Health Contracts, Procurement & Vendor Management (HLAJALAE)

Keywords

• Group purchasing organization
• Public safety procurement
• Cooperative purchasing
• EMS equipment supply
• Vendor contracts

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Cloud

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Vendor Administrative Fees: Savvik generates revenue through administrative fees paid by vendors. These fees are calculated as a percentage of sales processed through competitively bid procurement contracts. The administrative fee covers contract marketing, facilitation, and offsets operating expenses. This fee is NOT an added cost to members.
2. Revenue Sharing with Association Partners: Savvik shares 1/3 of earnings quarterly with association partners whose members use participating contracts. This revenue share program is a key differentiator and part of the nonprofit organization's mission to give back to the industry.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Savvik Buying Group operates as a non-profit Group Purchasing Organization that aggregates purchasing volume across public safety agencies to negotiate discounted contracts with vendors for equipment, supplies, and services.

Product overview

Savvik Buying Group is a cooperative purchasing organization (GPO) for public safety agencies, offering a portfolio of publicly bid contracts and an e-commerce marketplace. The core platform consists of the Savvik.com member portal providing access to competitively bid contracts across 11 contract categories (medical equipment, ambulance vehicles, protective gear, IT solutions, billing software, stretchers, station alerting, ePCR/data collection, and UTV/rescue equipment), and the Savvik Store e-commerce platform on Shopify for direct product purchases. Member benefits include the AMBER cost data collection software for CMS compliance, Savvik Perks discount network (700,000+ locations), and grant programs through the Savvik Foundation. The organization connects over 17,000 member agencies with 80+ vendor partners including major EMS equipment suppliers, ambulance manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, and service providers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Savvik Perks: A merchant discount network offering savings at over 700,000 in-store locations with 10-50% discounts on dining, apparel, electronics, travel, and more.

Products and services

• Cooperative Purchasing Contract Portfolio

Quantifiable outcome

• 17,000+ member agencies served across all 50 states
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, minor and major.

• Clarius Mobile HealthflagshipTechnology or Integration · 28 February 2025Clarius Mobile Health signed agreement with Savvik in February 2025 to provide wireless ultrasound scanners to EMS members. Clarius PAL HD3 dual-array wireless scanners help first responders assess cardiac activity, detect pneumothorax/internal bleeding, evaluate abdominal pain, assist in airway management, and streamline vascular access. Clarius is the only handheld ultrasound company with a Savvik contract. Testimonial from Loving County Ambulance (TX) highlights life-saving use in rural areas 30min-2hrs from hospitals.
• The Savvik FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000The Savvik Foundation is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000 by Savvik board members. Governed by its own volunteer board, it receives income from individuals, corporations, and governments. Primary focus on research, benchmarking, education, EMS system performance, and fostering collaboration among national and international groups. Savvik donates a large portion of its revenue to the Foundation for industry initiatives in safety, efficient operations, education, research, and national consensus building.
• Public Safety Association Inc. (PSAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPSAI is Savvik's sister company and marketing agency. Eagle County Health Service District bids contracts through PSAI, which then markets and manages contracts exclusively through Savvik Buying Group nationwide. PSAI and Savvik share operational expenses from administrative fees.
• Eagle County Health Service District / Eagle County Paramedic ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEagle County Health Service District (Colorado) serves as the host public agency for competitive bidding. Contracts are bid following Colorado statutes (§24-110-101 and §24-110-102) and Code of Federal Regulation standards (2 CFR 200.317-200.327). This quasi-municipal corporation enables legally compliant cooperative purchasing nationwide.
• American Ambulance Association (AAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Savvik Foundation partnered with AAA to launch grant programs for Cost Data Collection compliance. Savvik Foundation funded a grant program providing AAA's Ambulance Cost Education program including AMBER software, webinars, regional workshops, and expert access to qualifying Savvik member ambulance services. Grant available to rural and super-rural organizations.
• Research and Project Management, LLC (RPM)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRPM provides grant writing and project management services to Savvik members at reduced cost. Services include grant applications, funding opportunities, grant and fiscal management, and organizational support. Savvik members receive 60% off initial consultation (standard $250, Savvik members $100) and 15% off all other services.
• 59 Group Association Partners (State and National EMS Associations)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSavvik has 59 group affiliates including regional, state, and national associations that include Savvik membership in their group dues structure. Partners include American Ambulance Association, California Ambulance Association, Florida Ambulance Association, Georgia EMS Association, Illinois State Ambulance Association, Kansas EMS Association, and 53 others. Association partners receive quarterly reports and revenue share payments (1/3 of Savvik's earnings from their members' purchases).
• StrykerflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStryker is a key vendor partner providing medical equipment including stretchers and power cots under Contract #2024-04 (expires 6/30/2027) and medical equipment under Contract #2024-06 (expires 11/8/2027).
• ZOLLflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorZOLL provides medical equipment under Contract #2024-06 and ePCR/Data systems under Contract #2025-04. ZOLL is a major EMS medical device manufacturer included in multiple Savvik contracts.
• Henry ScheinflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHenry Schein provides medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals under Contract #2024-02 (expires 6/1/2027). Major healthcare distributor serving EMS agencies.
• MedlineflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMedline provides medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals under Contract #2024-02 (expires 6/1/2027). Major healthcare supply distributor.
• ESOflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorESO provides electronics, IT solutions, and services under Contract #2023-04 and ePCR/Data Collection under Contract #2025-04. EMS software provider for electronic patient care reporting and data collection.
• ImageTrendflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorImageTrend provides ePCR, Data Collection, and Prehospital Emergency Response Planning under Contract #2025-04. EMS data software provider.
• Demers Ambulance USA IncmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDemers provides ambulance and transport vehicles under Contract #2023-05 (expires 9/12/2026). Major ambulance manufacturer.
• Wheeled Coach Industries (REV Ambulance Group Orlando)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWheeled Coach provides ambulance and transport vehicles under Contract #2023-05 and ambulance remounts under Contract #2024-03.
• Braun IndustriesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBraun Industries provides ambulance and transport vehicles under Contract #2023-05 and ambulance remounts under Contract #2024-03.
• FernoflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFerno provides stretchers and power cots under Contract #2024-04 (expires 6/30/2027). Major EMS equipment manufacturer.
• Avive Solutions IncminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvive provides ePCR, Data Collection, and Prehospital Emergency Response Planning under Contract #2025-04 (expires 8/3/2028).
• BRYX, IncminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBRYX provides station alerting and automation under Contract #2025-02 (expires 6/1/2028). Emergency response technology provider.
• US Digital Designs, IncminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS Digital Designs provides station alerting and automation under Contract #2025-02 (expires 6/1/2028).
• EMS|MCflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEMS|MC provides billing and dispatch software, services, and solutions under Contract #2024-01 Extended Agreement (expires 4/01/2029). EMS billing and compliance software provider.
• 5.11 TacticalflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor5.11 Tactical provides body armor, protective gear, ammunition, and apparel under Contract #2026-01 (expires 4/1/2029). Products available through SavvikStore.com e-commerce platform.
• GH ArmorminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGH Armor provides body armor, protective gear, ammunition, and apparel under Contract #2026-01. Products available through SavvikStore.com.
• HighCom Armor SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHighCom Armor Solutions provides body armor, protective gear, ammunition, and apparel under Contract #2026-01.
• Liberty UniformminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiberty Uniform provides body armor, protective gear, ammunition, and apparel under Contract #2026-01.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• HGACBuy: Cooperative purchasing program of the Houston-Galveston Area Council serving government and nonprofit agencies primarily in Texas. Uses cooperative purchasing model with publicly-bid contracts for regional public agencies with limited geographic overlap with Savvik's national footprint.
• The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS): Texas-based cooperative purchasing system serving public agencies, schools, and nonprofits with competitively-bid contracts. Operates a similar cooperative model but with primarily Texas geographic focus and a different vendor mix.
• BuyBoard: Texas-based cooperative purchasing organization operated by the Texas Association of School Boards. Offers publicly-bid contracts to Texas public agencies including some public safety equipment, but operates within a more limited geographic footprint than Savvik.

Direct peers

• NASPO ValuePoint: Cooperative purchasing arm of the National Association of State Procurement Officials, offering publicly-bid master agreements to state and local governments. Uses a comparable cooperative contract model serving public agencies across multiple verticals including public safety.
• 1GPA: Government Procurement Alliance cooperative purchasing organization serving public agencies nationwide with publicly-bid contracts. Uses a similar cooperative model with free membership and aggregated buying power, often overlapping Savvik in school and government procurement.
• Sourcewell: Minnesota-based government cooperative purchasing organization that, like Savvik, negotiates publicly-bid contracts on behalf of public agencies. Both use a cooperative model where membership is free and contracts are competitively bid for legal compliance, though Sourcewell serves a broader range of government categories.
• OMNIA Partners: Public sector and commercial cooperative purchasing organization serving government, education, and nonprofit agencies. Operates a near-identical cooperative contract model with publicly-bid RFPs and aggregated member buying power, including public safety contracts.

Broad incumbents

• Vizient: Healthcare performance improvement and GPO serving hospitals and health systems. Operates a similar GPO model with aggregated purchasing power and admin fees, but focused on acute care providers rather than EMS and public safety.
• Premier Inc. Largest healthcare-focused GPO serving hospitals and health systems. Uses a similar GPO business model of aggregated purchasing power and admin fees, but serves a different customer base (acute care providers rather than EMS/public safety agencies).
• HealthTrust: Healthcare GPO serving hospitals, health systems, and ambulatory providers. Operates a similar GPO model with aggregated purchasing and admin fees, but operates in healthcare rather than EMS and public safety.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SavvikBuyGroup
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoAStQL_WSjh2JJt220QMEA
• Facebookfacebook.com/savvikgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/savvik-buying-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Savvik Buying Group