# TIPS Awards TekStart Vape Detection Contract

On October 21, 2026, The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) awarded TekStart Group contract #260701 for indoor air quality equipment and services, making its AirStart vape detection solutions available to eligible TIPS members nationwide through a competitively procured purchasing channel. The provider term runs through September 30, 2029, with a one-year renewal option; contract value and specific pricing were not disclosed. The offering includes access to installation and monitoring support.

- Eligible public entities can use the TIPS contract to purchase AirStart solutions through the cooperative purchasing channel; members may receive discounted pricing.
- Procurement teams should evaluate the solution’s fit for their facilities and confirm applicable pricing, installation, and monitoring arrangements with TekStart, since those details are not specified in the announcement.
- The award gives TekStart a route to reach public-sector buyers across the country through the contract term, while contractors offering related indoor air quality or facility-safety services may find cooperative purchasing channels relevant to their market strategy.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Information Technology
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS)
- Region 8 Education Service Center (Region 8 ESC)

### Vendors
- TekStart Group (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> Being a TIPS-awarded solution provider is an important validation of what AirStart delivers: real-time detection that helps staff respond quickly and keep shared spaces safe. Vaping is a health and safety concern for schools and public facilities of every size, and it is best addressed with real-time visibility and awareness. TIPS now makes that protection simple to purchase for organizations across the United States.
> — Howard Pakosh, CEO of TekStart Group

### Sources
- [
  TekStart Group Awarded TIPS Contract, Bringing AirStart Vape Detection to US Public Entities
  
](https://www.einpresswire.com/article/950987048/tekstart-group-awarded-tips-contract-bringing-airstart-vape-detection-to-us-public-entities) - EIN Presswire