The HUI provides lower prices for goods and services through cost containment contracts. Contracts are "member driven". Members determine the type of contracts. Members award the contracts. The members provide detailed lists of products and services they use.

The HUI combines the members' usage and generates a Request for Proposal (bid). The bid is sent to all vendors on the island. The HUI compiles the returned bid
information onto a spreadsheet. Members meet monthly to review the information and award the contracts. The HUI finalizes the details of the contracts with the awarded vendors.

The HUI sends copies of the awarded contracts to each member. The contracts become the price list for the members to use when purchasing.