The purpose of this study was to explore alternative methods for saving public funds in the purchasing of school bus bodies in the state of Georgia. Officials from each of the 50 states responded to a questionnaire that solicited descriptions of the methods used by state officials in purchasing school bus bodies. The discussion focuses on (1) the description of various state plans for purchasing school bus bodies; (2) the variation in prices paid in Georgia during the 1984-85 school year for school bus bodies; (3) a report of prices paid for school bus bodies from states that use a state purchasing plan; and (4) a comparison between prices paid in Georgia for school bus bodies and prices paid by states that use a state purchase plan. A summary of responses from the five suppliers of school bus bodies to the counties in Georgia during the 1984-85 school year is also included. Conclusions and recommendations are offered for the purpose of providing direction in purchasing school bus bodies. (SI)