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SPOTLIGHT
KACo Salt Auction
Dates set for 2025 KACo salt auction
Participating counties can save money through reverse auction
KACo will host the 2025 Salt Auction for counties on June 17 and 18. The auction offers fiscal courts a proven way to save 20–40 percent on road salt through reverse auctions.
In a typical auction, prices go up as people compete to buy something. In a reverse auction, prices go down as sellers compete to offer the lowest price. This process creates a competitive environment that can result in cost savings.
KACo, in partnership with Orbis Online, conducts the auction, setting up vendors and ensuring a smooth process—all at no cost to members. Counties submit their estimated salt needs in advance, and pre-qualified vendors bid in real time to offer the lowest price.
The deadline to register for participation in the 2025 salt auction is June 3.
To register, go to www.kacoauctions.com.
For more information, contact Sydney Blodgett, sydney.blodgett@kaco.org or 800-264-5226.
Participating counties can save money through reverse auction
KACo will host the 2025 Salt Auction for counties on June 17 and 18. The auction offers fiscal courts a proven way to save 20–40 percent on road salt through reverse auctions.
In a typical auction, prices go up as people compete to buy something. In a reverse auction, prices go down as sellers compete to offer the lowest price. This process creates a competitive environment that can result in cost savings.
KACo, in partnership with Orbis Online, conducts the auction, setting up vendors and ensuring a smooth process—all at no cost to members. Counties submit their estimated salt needs in advance, and pre-qualified vendors bid in real time to offer the lowest price.
The deadline to register for participation in the 2025 salt auction is June 3.
To register, go to www.kacoauctions.com.
For more information, contact Sydney Blodgett, sydney.blodgett@kaco.org or 800-264-5226.
What is a reverse auction?
In a regular auction, prices go up as people compete to buy something. In a reverse auction, prices go down as sellers compete to offer the lowest price. This process creates a competitive environment that can result in cost savings.
In the public sector, reverse auctions are often used for purchasing commodities where specifications are standardized, such as road salt.
For example, the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) hosts an annual reverse auction for road salt on behalf of participating counties. Counties submit their estimated salt needs in advance, and pre-qualified vendors bid in real time to offer the lowest price. Once bidding concludes, the lowest bid is awarded to participating counties.
Reverse auctions provide several potential advantages:
Reverse auctions can offer a practical way for counties to access lower prices through a competitive and transparent process.
In a regular auction, prices go up as people compete to buy something. In a reverse auction, prices go down as sellers compete to offer the lowest price. This process creates a competitive environment that can result in cost savings.
In the public sector, reverse auctions are often used for purchasing commodities where specifications are standardized, such as road salt.
For example, the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) hosts an annual reverse auction for road salt on behalf of participating counties. Counties submit their estimated salt needs in advance, and pre-qualified vendors bid in real time to offer the lowest price. Once bidding concludes, the lowest bid is awarded to participating counties.
Reverse auctions provide several potential advantages:
- Cost savings: Competition among vendors drives prices down.
- Efficiency: The bidding process is completed in a short, defined time frame.
- Transparency: All vendors see the same bidding environment and opportunity.
- Aggregated purchasing: Buyers can combine their demand to leverage greater purchasing power.
Reverse auctions can offer a practical way for counties to access lower prices through a competitive and transparent process.
