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Massachusetts Launches E-Procurement System

Self-funding purchasing system to reduce costs.

BOSTON -- Massachusetts wanted a way to reduce costs when purchasing goods and services. The state has now launched a Web-based system for buying goods and services.

The self-funded initiative of Gov. Mitt Romney's administration will cut costs and streamline operations for all levels of government, as well as for companies doing business with state agencies. In addition, for the first time the online procurement system will be accessible at no charge to cities, towns, public authorities and public schools, including the university and state college system.

Enhanced Comm-PASS from BearingPoint replaces and upgrades the state's seven-year-old, Comm-PASS procurement system. Features of the new system include:

-Fully automated system. Vendors will be able to submit bids and proposals online. This will reduce or eliminate vendor costs associated with hard-copy submissions and maximize time available for completing responses. Government buyers will be able to automate their document creation and management processes for greater efficiency.

-Completely self-funded model. The new system will be funded through subscription fees paid by vendors to access services within the system, freeing state money for other projects.

-Access for all government organizations. All eligible public entities can post solicitations for goods and services using the new system, eliminating redundant solicitations and increasing competition among bidders. This system may allow public buyers to reduce or eliminate their annual advertising expenses.

-Significant cost savings. With enhanced reporting and management tools contained in the new system, officials can leverage the buying power of all government users in order to obtain better prices for goods and services. Additionally, by eliminating paperwork, Enhanced Comm-PASS will provide significant administrative savings for both government and business.

Massachusetts state agencies purchase about $5.2 billion in goods and services, including health and human services, from over 11,000 businesses each year. Billions more may be captured as other public entities join the system's buying community.
Miriam Jones is a former chief copy editor of Government Technology, Governing, Public CIO and Emergency Management magazines.