FAQS

Frequently asked questions about Institutional Commodity Services (ICS)
 
What is ICS?
ICS is the central purchasing office for parishes, schools and Catholic institutions in the greater New York tri-state area. ICS serves the Archdioceses of New York and Newark, and the Dioceses of Albany, Bridgeport, Brooklyn, and Camden. It was established by Cardinal Francis Spellman in 1941 and is a separately incorporated entity. In addition, ICS is a member of Catholic Purchasing Services and the National Group Purchasing Corporation, both of these associations open up ICS’s access to be able to achieve significant nationwide discounts on quality products and services.
 
What kind of items can be purchased through ICS?
This list is endless – think of almost anything a parish, school or institution needs and it can be purchased through ICS.  Some of the more popular items include fuel, liturgical supplies, clerical apparel, maintenance/janitorial supplies, office and residential furniture, office supplies, snow removal products, and fire prevention products. ICS can also broker services that may be needed including: fire protection, transportation (bus charters), and boiler maintenance, as well as the sale and/or leasing of automobiles.
 
Are the products and services available through ICS competitively priced?
Absolutely.  Due to our affiliation with over 350 vendors and our ability to match them with the more than 2000 properties that we serve, we have added leverage when advocating on a customer’s behalf.  We are recognized, respected, and trusted by the organizations we serve, as well as the vendors we represent, and that often enables us to  negotiate the most preferential price points across all product lines.
 
Does ICS have a copier purchase/lease program?
We do and, in fact, have premium pricing with all of the major manufacturers of copy machines, which enables us to provide wholesale purchasing/leasing and service agreements.  Our service terms cover ALL parts, labor, toner, and even staples. Furthermore, at the end of ICS’s low interest lease, the parish, school, or institution owns the machine outright, with no additional fees to be paid.  Thereafter, ICS reps will continue to fully support your purchase and will recommend a suitable, appropriate extended service agreement on the equipment.
 
Who can use ICS?
Any Catholic institution listed in The Official Catholic Directory can use the services of ICS. Most of our customers are in the six participating (arch) dioceses.
 
Am I obliged to use ICS?
Parishes, schools and institutions in the Archdiocese of New York must consult ICS before entering into any equipment lease, particularly one that involves a copy machine. Otherwise, there is no mandate to use ICS.  However, keep in  mind that favorable contracts with ICS vendors can save you both time and money. The established vendors that we work with fully understand the unique needs of ICS customers.  In addition, our customers are encouraged to use ICS to benchmark other vendors’ offers (or share their vendor information and experience with us) before any purchase is made through an ICS vendor.
 
Do I need to join or pay a fee?
There is no membership to ICS nor is there any fee requirement.
 
Who do I call at ICS?
The full ICS Team is included on the back of all ICS brochures, flyers, and promotional materials, as well as on the ICS website, www.nyics.org. You can reach our main office at 646-794-2600 and we will be on hand to answer questions, consult on your purchase requests, and can provide catalogues, samples and even on-site assistance, as may be needed.
 
How do I place orders?
Customers have a choice – through an ICS representative or directly on our website. Orders placed through ICS  are assured of competitive pricing and are billed by us.  Some orders, if you prefer, can be placed directly with a vendor, however, buyers should identify themselves as ICS customers to ensure getting the competitive prices negotiated by ICS.  Of course, orders placed directly with vendors are not billed by ICS.