Will another bank fail? Will the Fed raise interest rates again? Will the economy dip into a recession? Uncertainty is running at a fever pitch. There is not much in our world that we can rely on anymore, which can be pretty disconcerting; however, nonprofits remain steadfast. The sector is the one place all Oklahomans can continuously turn, regardless of the circumstances, for comfort, assistance, entertainment or whatever needs they may have. Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector has stood the test of time – plus several natural disasters, a terrorist attack and a worldwide pandemic. Its strength and resiliency is forged from the dedication of the more than 85,000 Oklahomans who work in the sector. When others seek shelter, they run to the frontlines. During disasters, they look to provide calm. When the world shuts down, they go to work. When there is a need, Oklahoma nonprofits step up. The world might waver, but our sector does not. Nonprofits see our increasingly uncertain world as another opportunity for us to come together and do what we do best – care for our communities. When COVID-19 paralyzed the world, Oklahoma nonprofit leaders rallied together. We let one another know about funding opportunities, helped each other with similar issues and came together to solve problems as a team. The same will happen as we navigate the world’s current uncertainty. No doubt there will be missteps along the way, but the rocky path with be pathed with possibilities. Our heightened sense of problem-solving will lead to new breakthroughs, unique insights and game-changing innovations. The only thing that seems certain about our future is that it will be filled unknowns. Knowing this, I find great comfort in the fact that our state has one of the strongest, most resilient nonprofit sectors in the world. That is something of which I can be certain.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, on Friday commented on Oklahoma's new First Access program that will allow Oklahoma nonprofits, school districts and governmental entities the opportunity to purchase State Surplus items before they are made available at auction to the general public.

West initiated conversations with the state's Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which resulted in modernizing the business model and marketing plan around the state’s surplus program. The program launched Feb. 1.

"I saw the needs of many of our nonprofits and our schools as they try to provide vital resources and help to children and families throughout our state," West said. "I also realized we often have a surplus of state goods that are auctioned off to the public on a regular basis. This seemed like such a natural fit to connect these low-cost resources with those who need them most.

"I'm incredibly grateful to our partners at OMES for their work in making this program a reality. I know that many Oklahomans will benefit. This truly is a great way for the government to be able to help meet needs without having to raise additional funding."

The goal of First Access is to provide items such as office furniture, technology devices, and even vehicles to qualifying organizations. This allows nonprofits to prioritize investments in their missions with the retained money and resources.

West encourages as many nonprofits as possible to sign up and utilize these resources to support their services that make a positive impact for Oklahoma citizens.

To qualify for First Access, organizations must register as a buyer through GovDeals, the state's surplus auction website, and prove they represent an authorized state agency, school district, nonprofit or political subdivision as defined by 74 O.S. § 62.3-C.

First Access is free to join, and interested entities can visit the First Access webpage to learn how to request membership.

For questions or more information about First Access, please email firstaccess@omes.ok.gov.