And the National Office Products Alliance, a trade association, has called on the state attorney general to investigate US Communities, a government purchasing cooperative based in Walnut Creek which does some business with Office Depot, over allegations that it has received $20 million in so-called "kickbacks." A representative of US Communities says the allegations are "baseless" and a "total misrepresentation" of the nonprofit's role in facilitating contracts. Beyond California, is being investigated in Florida, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Ohio and by the nation's General Services Administration, the and Department of Education. is currently conducting its own audit, and is looking for a new office supply provider. So much for assuming that big box shops like Office Depot always offer the best prices.