What is a Qualified Products Lists (QPL) / Approved Products Lists – Part 1

State QPL List – Part 2

What is a Qualified Products List (QPL) or Approved Products List

The Qualified Products Lists (QPL) identifies the products that have been tested for conformance with the appropriate specification requirements.  There are many QPLs, also known as approved products lists.  The federal government maintains a list, while most states maintain their own qualified products list.  The approved products lists are valuable resources for contractors, manufacturers, and distributors.

Contractors

If you are doing business with a government agency, it is your responsibility to verify that all good or services supplied on a job meet these requirements.  You should:

*Understand the scope of the job,

*Identify any goods or services that should meet these requirements,

*Reference the appropriate QPL / Approved Products Lists,

*Consult with product manufacturers or their distributors,

*Obtain any required documentation – MSDS, specifications, etc., and

*Maintain these records for submission with your bid or invoices.

If you are doing business with an agency that does not maintain a QPL, then consult with the engineer or procurement agent about the job parameters.  Many times you can refer to the federal standards and specifications.

Manufacturers

If you are a manufacturer, there are many advantages for being listed on your state’s Qualified Products List.  A few of these advantages include:

*Establishes performance specifications for your products,

*Eliminates the need to demonstrate performance for each job,

*Identifies your company as a manufacturer in good standing,

*Recognizes your company for producing high quality and reliable products.

*Statewide visibility for your products,

*Increases market opportunities.

To obtain information for QPL approval, visit your state website to download the evaluation package.  Each state that maintains an approved products list will also provide instructions for the application process and usually offers online assistance.  Also, remember to consider QPL approval for other states as well.

Distributors

The Qualified Products List is a valuable resource for distributors.  By identifying materials on the QPLs, you can expand the products you sell by selling in smaller quantities.  If your company can supply materials in demand quickly and in the needed quantity, then you do not need to compete on price with the manufacturer.  Use the commodity codes to search for products within an industry.  Manufacturers sell in bulk to government agencies, however they welcome businesses that can repackage their materials in smaller quantities.  Often small towns or counties will purchase these products from a distributor because the minimum order requirements suit their application and budget.  Contractors that have been awarded government contracts also purchase from approved products lists in smaller quantities.