COF manages a variety of contracts on behalf of the member colleges to leverage buying power, enhance services, or both. The mechanisms for new engagements and from time to time renewals is to conduct an RFP (request for proposal), an RFI (request for information), or an RFQ (request for quote). COF believes in a fully transparent and ethical process and will post these opportunities for interested parties to respond to. A designated committee of college representatives with subject matter expertise are named as the decision makers/recommenders and adhere to the conduct guidelines including maintaining a quiet period and equitable information dissemination.