Streamline Your Procurement Process
No bidding. No delays. Just start your project.
Cooperative Roofing for Illinois Schools & Public Facilities
You didn’t take this job to become a procurement expert — but now there’s a roof that can’t wait. We’ve walked public facilities through exactly that.
With TIPS, you skip the long bidding process and get started sooner using a contractor who’s already been vetted and approved for public projects.
Two ways to get your roof done
A roof no one would bid on—replaced without running a bid.
Canton Park District was required to competitively bid an aging tar-and-gravel roof—but couldn’t get a single bid. HCI’s Nick Orwig pointed them to TIPS. Using the cooperative isn’t skipping the bid: the competitive solicitation already happened at national scale, so the district could buy off the awarded contract instead of running its own months-long process. After a free, minutes-long enrollment, the district didn’t have to manage a thing.

At a glance: Key Benefits of TIPS
Pre-Vetted Contractor You Can Rely On:
TIPS has already completed the competitive bidding and qualification process, meaning HCI is pre-approved based on pricing, performance, safety, and capabilities. You skip the risk and uncertainty of traditional bidding and gain a contractor trusted by public-sector organizations across the Midwest.
Faster, Simpler Procurement
TIPS eliminates long bid cycles and allows you to move quickly — ideal for summer construction windows, emergency roof needs, and schedule-sensitive facility upgrades. With pricing already competitively awarded, we can assess, scope, and begin planning your project without administrative delays.
Transparent, Audit-Ready Compliance
Every TIPS project comes with clear documentation for boards, audits, and legal review. You get predictable pricing, fewer change-order battles, and a defensible procurement path that meets state and federal standards — all while reducing internal workload for your procurement team.
Built for Schools, Parks & Municipalities
Ready to Simplify Your Roofing Project? HCI understands the operational realities of schools, municipalities, and government facilities. We tailor our delivery to your environment, ensuring projects stay on schedule and on budget.
If you’re a school, government agency, or nonprofit looking for an efficient way to manage your roofing projects, TIPS and HCI – Holthaus are here to help. Sign up today and start your next project with the confidence that you’re working with the best in the industry.
Contact us now to learn more about how TIPS can simplify your roofing project with HCI – Holthaus
Start here — we’ll walk you through the whole process in plain English. You don’t need to register first.
Already talked with us? When you’re ready, we’ll point you to the official TIPS site to register — it’s free and takes about five minutes.
This short video explains how TIPS helps public organizations skip the long bidding process and start projects faster—using approved contractors and a free, compliant program.
Common Questions About TIPS
These common questions cover how TIPS works and how we help you get your roof done.
What is the TIPS Program?
TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) is a cooperative purchasing program designed to simplify procurement for public-sector entities by offering pre-negotiated contracts.
Who Can Use the TIPS Program?
Public schools, municipalities, counties, higher education institutions, and other public-sector organizations can leverage TIPS for efficient procurement.
How does TIPS help me save time?
TIPS eliminates the need for lengthy bidding processes, so projects that might normally take months to initiate can begin in just a few days. This means you can start your roofing projects faster, reducing downtime and ensuring quicker protection for your buildings.
How Does TIPS Expedite the Procurement Process?
By eliminating the need for traditional bidding, TIPS allows you to work directly with pre-approved vendors, significantly reducing project timelines.
Are TIPS Contracts Compliant with Regulations?
Yes, TIPS contracts adhere to federal, state, and local procurement standards, ensuring full compliance and audit readiness.
How Do I Get Started with TIPS?
The easiest first step is to call us — we’ll talk through your project and whether TIPS is the right fit, with no registration required to have that conversation. When you’re ready, signing up is on the official TIPS website: it’s free, it’s a short form, and it takes about five minutes. Once you’re registered, we handle the rest.
What kind of cost savings can I expect with TIPS?
TIPS leverages national account pricing to provide significant savings on products and services. By using TIPS-approved contractors like HCI, you gain access to competitive pricing that can help reduce your overall project costs.
Why should I choose HCI - Holthaus through TIPS?
HCI – Holthaus is an experienced TIPS-certified contractor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality roofing solutions. We’ll guide you through the TIPS process, ensuring your project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Is there any obligation to use TIPS once I sign up?
No, signing up for TIPS does not create any obligation. Registration is completely free and simply gives you access to the benefits of the program whenever you’re ready to start a project.
Can I use TIPS for services beyond roofing?
Yes! While HCI – Holthaus specializes in roofing services, TIPS covers a wide range of products and services, including lighting, HVAC systems, flooring, and more. The program offers flexible solutions for various public sector needs.
Ready to Simplify Your Next Project?
Talk to Nick
Nick Orwig · Owner, HCI / Holthaus Roofing
“If you’ve got a roof you can’t get bids on, call the office and we’ll walk you through how TIPS works.”
Tell us about your project
Talk to us about your public roofing project
We’ve been doing commercial and residential roofing in central Illinois since 1990. If you’ve got a public building roof you need handled, the simplest thing is to call the office — we’ll walk you through how TIPS works.