Home 
Local Aid and Finance OSD issues guide for local use of state contracts
New guidelines from the Operational Services Division are designed to help cities and towns use certain contracts procured by state departments.
Cities and towns are now eligible to use certain contracts procured by state departments that issue procurements subject to the state’s procurement regulations (801 CMR 21.00).
The legal authority for the OSD standards is Chapter 30B, Section 1 (c), and Chapter 7, Section 22A, which allow cities and towns to use the Operational Services Division’s statewide contracts and certain department-issued contracts.
This inclusion of department contracts issued as “Multiple Department User” (as listed in the RFR) or “Open for Use Under Separate Contract Execution” (as listed on Comm-PASS) represents a significant policy expansion by OSD that will increase access for cities and towns.
Any cities and towns opting to use these contracts must execute their own contract and any additional legal terms with the awarded vendor and will be responsible for any contract management, performance or payment issues relative to their contract.
Comm-PASS currently lists 422 contracts available for use by cities and towns, authorities, and counties as a result of this new policy.
The policy provides detailed guidance to state departments for posting solicitations on Comm-PASS and guidance to cities and towns regarding what types of Commonwealth contracts can be used and how to identify those contracts on Comm-PASS.
For more information, contact Barbara Hansberry, general counsel in the inspector general’s office, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (617) 727-9140.
• Download new OSD policy guidance (09-13) (52K Word file)
Local Aid and Finance OSD issues guide for local use of state contracts
OSD issues guide for local use of state contracts
New guidelines from the Operational Services Division are designed to help cities and towns use certain contracts procured by state departments.
Cities and towns are now eligible to use certain contracts procured by state departments that issue procurements subject to the state’s procurement regulations (801 CMR 21.00).
The legal authority for the OSD standards is Chapter 30B, Section 1 (c), and Chapter 7, Section 22A, which allow cities and towns to use the Operational Services Division’s statewide contracts and certain department-issued contracts.
This inclusion of department contracts issued as “Multiple Department User” (as listed in the RFR) or “Open for Use Under Separate Contract Execution” (as listed on Comm-PASS) represents a significant policy expansion by OSD that will increase access for cities and towns.
Any cities and towns opting to use these contracts must execute their own contract and any additional legal terms with the awarded vendor and will be responsible for any contract management, performance or payment issues relative to their contract.
Comm-PASS currently lists 422 contracts available for use by cities and towns, authorities, and counties as a result of this new policy.
The policy provides detailed guidance to state departments for posting solicitations on Comm-PASS and guidance to cities and towns regarding what types of Commonwealth contracts can be used and how to identify those contracts on Comm-PASS.
For more information, contact Barbara Hansberry, general counsel in the inspector general’s office, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (617) 727-9140.
• Download new OSD policy guidance (09-13) (52K Word file)
Written by MMA Publications/Web Director John Ouellette
