Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The “Municipal Modernization Act,” signed into law by the governor on Aug. 9, amends many laws related to municipal finance and governance, including three public bidding laws: Chapter 30B, Chapter 30, and Chapter 149.
The changes to the public bidding laws go into effect on Nov. 7.
The act amends certain thresholds and requirements in Chapter 30B for purchasing supplies and services. The following dollar thresholds are effective on Nov. 7:
• Less than $10,000: Use sound business practices
• $10,000-$50,000: Request three written quotes (previously, oral quotes were sufficient)
• More than $50,000: Use an invitation for bids or request for proposals
Also, invitations for bids or requests for proposals will need to be advertised on COMMBUYS, in addition to the current advertising requirements.
The Municipal Modernization Act also raises thresholds, changes certain procedures, and amends the advertising requirements for construction projects undertaken pursuant to Chapter 30, Section 39M, and Chapter 149.
The Office of the Inspector General is updating its website, training materials, manuals and other publications to reflect the changes to procurement laws.
• Click here for more procurement details from the Office of the Inspector General
The Office of the Inspector General administers the Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official Program (MCPPO) to develop the capacity of public purchasing officials to operate effectively and promote excellence in public procurement.
The MCPPO is holding a number of seminars this fall and winter to provide important updates, including Boards & Commissions, Contract Administration, Creating a Procurement Office, and Design and Construction Contracting.
• Link to the MCPPO registration form
• Link to the Office of the Inspector General’s October Procurement Bulletin
The Office of the Inspector General offers a 30B hotline at (617) 722-8838 or 30BHotline@massmail.state.ma.us.
Construction-related questions may be directed to the attorney general’s Bid Unit Office at (617) 963-2371 or at AGOBidUnit@state.ma.us.