By Sue Gavazzi – Contract Analyst/Vendor Manager at Internet2
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
At Internet2, we recognize the dedication of procurement professionals who support the NET+ mission to enable institutions to collaboratively evaluate and adopt IT services that meet the research and education (R&E) community’s unique needs.
We achieve this mission by bringing IT, legal, and procurement professionals together. Our selective portfolio of 20 cloud services supports well over 500 R&E institutions, leveraging more than 1,000 contracts, including 75 institutions that subscribe to at least a quarter of NET+ services.
“How inspiring it is to be in the company of like-minded professionals who share a passion for getting the most value out of vendors, contracts, and purchases for their institutions. The relationships and sense of community that we are building is worth the investment and will have a lasting impact.”
– Nelya Zonis, chief operating officer at New York University, member of the NET+ Business, Procurement, and Legal Advisory Committee (BPLAC), and committee member for the Vendor Management Community of Practice (VM CoP)
Key NET+ Procurement Accomplishments Over the Last Year:
- Neutral Host Network RFP: In 2024, Internet2 conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a Neutral Host Network Platform vendor, leveraging private cellular networks to support R&E institutions. An RFP team of R&E community leaders selected Kajeet to move forward with a NET+ Service Evaluation.
- LLM Gateway RFI: NET+ launched a Request for Information (RFI) in July 2024 to explore solutions for a large language model (LLM) Gateway. Based on community feedback, Portkey has entered NET+ Service Evaluation.
- Newly Created Vendor Management Working Group: Launched in January 2025, the Vendor Management Community of Practice (VM CoP) provides a space for institutions to share best practices in vendor management on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-2 p.m. ET to connect with peers. Join us!
- Updated Cloud Scorecard Finder Site: The new site, available in public preview, introduces an improved user experience to make it easier than ever for R&E institutions to discover, review, and select cloud solutions.
A Look Towards the Future
In 2025, we’re focusing on adding emerging technologies to the NET+ Services portfolio while ensuring existing services provide holistic value to subscribers. This includes pricing, contract terms and conditions, documentation, vendor management, and vibrant communities of practice to support institutions in maximizing their investment.
As a procurement professional, leveraging a NET+ agreement provides access to carefully vetted services and advantageous pricing while also investing in the community’s strength and resilience. We know it is crucial in 2025 to leverage our shared scale and expertise to manage risk and maximize opportunity when facing budget cuts, pricing increases, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Opportunities to Get Involved
- Join one of our procurement working groups: The NET+ Business, Procurement and Legal Advisory Committee (BPLAC) informs strategy for the NET+ portfolio and enhances the resources we provide to support our community’s procurement decisions. Vendor Management Community of Practice (VM CoP) provides a space for institutions to share best practices in vendor management.
- Contribute to service evaluations: In response to community feedback, we have initiated more competitive processes before vendors are considered for the NET+ portfolio. Consider participating in our RFPs and RFIs, which allow our community to gain a better understanding of products and services available in a particular market.
- Check out the Cloud Scorecard: This community-driven resource simplifies cloud solution discovery, review, and selection for R&E technology needs. Decision-makers can view multiple solutions and review how services align with compliance measures like accessibility, security, and privacy.
Learn more on our NET+ web page and join us in shaping the future of procurement practices in higher education!
Meet the Writer & Hear Her Speak
Sue Gavazzi has worked in higher education for nearly 40 years and has been a contract analyst with Internet2 NET+ since 2020. She will lead a panel discussion at the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) EPIC conference in May in collaboration with panelist speakers from the University of Arizona, University of Oregon, and Carnegie Mellon University to explore effective vendor management strategies at public and private institutions.