Whether you're a vendor, purchasing professional, or an end-user department, having the right information at the right time can make navigating the procurement process much easier. In this update, we’re highlighting upcoming New Jersey events, helpful NJSTART resources, answers to common questions, and a closer look at how departments can help avoid “purchasing ping-pong” by making requests purchase ready from the start.
Connect With NJSTART at Upcoming Events
The NJSTART team will be out and about this fall connecting with procurement professionals, vendors, local governments, and school districts throughout New Jersey.
Be sure to look for the NJSTART team at these upcoming events:
- GPANJ — September 17
- NJ GFOA Annual Conference — September 22–24
- 2026 ACCSES New Jersey STAR Conference — October 7
- NJSBA’s Workshop 2026 — October 19–22 | Booth 880
- NJLM — November 17–19 | Booth #123
Stop by, say hello, and learn more about NJSTART and how it can support your procurement needs.
NJSTART Q&A
Where can vendors find support or get in touch with the Division of Purchase and Property?
On the NJSTART login page there is a section called Vendor Resources and Support. The following are the identified links. The best place to start is the Vendor Support Portal. There are many FAQs and ways to navigate to retrieve the answer without having to call or email anyone.
Vendor Resources & Support
- Vendor Resources
- Vendor Support Portal
- Email: njstart@treas.nj.gov
- Phone: 609-341-3500
- MWBE, SBE, VOB & Other Certifications
- Upcoming Bidding Opportunities
The best place to start is the Vendor Support Portal. There are many FAQs and ways to navigate to retrieve the answer you need without having to call or email anyone.
Does the NJSTART system change over time?
Yes.
The NJSTART application is New Jersey’s brand of the SOVRAPro application. SOVRAPro is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application and has regular updates. Updates are typically released quarterly or monthly.
The system continues to introduce new functionality and features. This is another reason why attending the NJSTART 101 Webinars is important. We typically review any new changes that may impact your use of the application.
Register for NJSTART 101 Webinar
What happens when the NJSTART system is taken offline?
The NJSTART system runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For regularly scheduled maintenance or releases, there should be no impact to users.
There may be unscheduled times when the system goes down. There is a maintenance page with a message indicating that the system is under maintenance. Most unscheduled maintenance issues are resolved quickly.
If there is scheduled downtime, a message on the login page will notify users of the planned maintenance.
You can always send an email to coop-njstart@njstart.info for questions or guidance.
Stop the “Purchasing Ping-Pong”: Make Requests Purchase Ready
Anyone involved in building maintenance, facilities, or public works procurement knows the frustration of “purchasing ping-pong.”
A department identifies a need—a flooring replacement project, HVAC maintenance, inspection service, or parks/playground equipment—and submits a request to Purchasing. The request is reviewed, only to be sent back because a contract wasn't identified, required vendor documentation is missing, compliance information hasn't been validated, or the process for using a contract wasn't followed.
The request then bounces between the department and Purchasing until all requirements are met.
The result? Delays, frustration, and valuable staff time spent chasing information rather than moving projects forward and getting work done.
Helping Departments Get Purchase Ready
To help address this challenge, NJSTART has been working closely with local government and school associations throughout New Jersey to educate end-user departments, so requests arrive purchase ready.
Through presentations, training sessions, and outreach efforts, the NJSTART Team have been helping facilities professionals better understand how to leverage State contracts and prepare procurement requests correctly the first time.
The concept is simple: Optimize the procurement cycle.
Before sending a purchase request to Purchasing, confirm:
✅ An appropriate State contract has been identified
✅ The vendor is authorized under the contract
✅ Required compliance documents have been obtained
✅ Contract numbers, pricing, and supporting information are included on the quote
Taking these steps upfront can help reduce back-and-forth, avoid unnecessary delays, and keep projects moving.
Need help navigating NJSTART or State contracts? Contact the NJSTART Team.