March 9, 2021
Welcome March!
Although we still may have a few challenging weather days ahead, spring is around the corner.
In this issue, we have provided information on new and seasonal contracts - including our prospective COVID-19 Pooled Services contract - an office supplies update, a link to our PPE Guide, and our bi-monthly Statewide Contract Reference Sheet, among some other resources.
Also, the Local Government Enablement Team has been asked to present on a number of topics at the next MAPPO meeting scheduled for March 17. We hope to see you there!
In this Issue:
- Statewide Contract PPE Guide;
- Statewide Contract Reference Sheet for March/April;
- COVID-19 Pooled Testing Services;
- Office Supplies Contract Update;
- New and Seasonal Contracts;
- COMMBUYS PunchOuts Expanded;
- Environmentally Preferable Products Annual Report;
- Telecommunications Discounts through the E-Rate Program;
- Links at Your Fingertips.
Contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
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Statewide Contract PPE Guide |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other coronavirus-related resources cut across numerous Statewide Contracts. Refer to the Statewide Contract Product and Services Guide for PPE & Other COVID-19 Related Resources.
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Statewide Contract Reference Sheet for March/April |
Review the latest Statewide Contract Reference Sheet to see the range of products and services offered on Statewide Contracts. This list is updated every two months.
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COVID-19 Pooled Testing Services |
The Operational Services Division, in collaboration with the Department of Early and Secondary Education (DESE), is sourcing bidders to provide Pooled Testing Services through new Statewide Contract HSP42. |
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Pooled testing is conducted by combining a set of individual specimens and returning a single result. These services currently are offered to Massachusetts schools through an emergency contract that will expire on March 28, 2021. HSP42 is expected to launch on March 29, 2021.
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Office Supplies Contract Update |
The OFF47 Office Supplies contract is expected to be renewed effective April 1, 2021. By contractual agreement, vendors may present updated pricing for the new contract term that will run through March 31, 2024. Although future pricing is yet to be determined, market indicators show a price increase is likely for certain products.
Given this expectation, buyers may want to consider purchasing products now to take advantage of current pricing, effective through March 31, 2021. Refer to the Contract User Guide for more information.
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New and Seasonal Contracts |
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ITC73 Hardware and Services, offering Desktops, Laptops, Chromebooks, and Tablets; Storage Solutions; Resellers and Services; and Rugged Mobile Devices;
ITS75 Software and Services, including Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software and Software as a Service (SaaS);
FAC113 Recycling Containers, Bins, and Rain Barrels, providing a wide range of waste and recycling containers.
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FAC103 - Landscaping, Irrigation, and Tree Services;
Trades Contracts - 27 services, including HVAC, Asphalt Paving, Masonry, Elevator Services, Signage, and Roofing. Search for vendors.
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COMMBUYS PunchOuts Expanded
Including Additional PPE Possibilities
COMMBUYS PunchOuts simplify the Statewide Contract purchasing process and all buyers with a purchasing role are set up for PunchOut purchasing! Review our full PunchOut selection, including several PPE purchasing opportunities.
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Environmentally Preferable Products Annual Report
The Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) Annual Report summarizes important achievements over FY2020. It provides estimates on purchases of environmentally preferable products and services from Statewide Contracts (SWCs) and estimates cost savings and environmental benefits associated with their use. EPPs are found in more than 55 SWCs and the FY2020 report demonstrates the immense value of the EPP Program. View the report here.
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Telecommunications Discounts through the E-Rate Program |
The Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate Program offers schools and libraries funding toward the purchase of telecommunications products and services, such as internet access, telecommunications services, and related equipment. The 2021 E-Rate filing window opened on January 15, 2021, and buyers may use Statewide Contracts for their E-Rate purchases.
Obtain additional guidance in our E-Rate flyer. Currently, the 2021 E-Rate filing window is anticipated to close on March 25, 2021. |
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Reach the OSD Help Desk
Monday - Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
888-MA-State or
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Local Government Enablement Team
Our team's mission is to ensure municipal organizations have familiarity and ease of access to the selection, pricing, and added benefits afforded through Statewide Contracts. Send us an email to set up a time to speak with your Local Government team member.
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