Simplify Procurement With the Municipal Partnership Guide

Piggybacking content offer on tablet

Your shortcut to compliant, contract-ready services

Staffing shortages. Delayed contracts. Too many projects, not enough support. What if you could get help without launching a new procurement process?

You can! It's called piggybacking—using another municipality's competitively awarded contract to access the same services.

This guide shows you how it works, when to use it, and how to stay compliant.

Need a faster way to get services in place?

What's included

Explore a clear, actionable overview of how piggybacking works and when to use it.

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Piggybacking fundamentals

Understand what it is, how it works, and how to know if your city can use it

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Real-world use cases

Explore where piggybacking helps fill service gaps and keep projects moving
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Step-by-step implementation

Follow a simple process to find contracts, get approval, and activate support

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For departments facing staffing gaps and delays

This guide helps building departments and city leaders:

Fill gaps fast

Use existing contracts to bring in inspectors, planners, and code enforcement—without starting a new RFP.

Stay compliant

Follow the right steps to meet legal and procurement requirements in your state.

Reduce delays

Avoid project slowdowns caused by staffing shortages or backlogged approvals.

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Frequently asked questions

What exactly is piggybacking?

Piggybacking is a public procurement method that lets one municipality use an existing contract from another. This approach helps avoid starting a new procurement process from scratch.

How does piggybacking save time and reduce costs?
By using a pre-approved contract, departments can skip the full RFP process. This reduces administrative work and speeds up access to services.
What kinds of services are available through piggybacking?
Cities often use piggybacking for inspections, plan reviews, permitting support, and code enforcement. It is especially helpful when internal resources are stretched.
Is piggybacking a legally compliant option?
Yes. When used correctly, it follows state and local procurement policies. The guide explains key requirements to watch for.
How does SAFEbuilt support the piggybacking process?

We provide a clear path forward, including contract support and a dedicated account manager. Our team helps you move quickly while staying compliant.