Mass. program to expand small-business contracting, electronic access

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick last month announced an executive order establishing the Small Business Purchasing Program in the commonwealth.
The program aims to give Massachusetts-based small businesses “greater access to procurement opportunities that will help them to expand,” according to a statement from Patrick’s office. The program, which will be managed by the Mass. Operational Services Division, requires state agencies and departments to target small businesses when seeking nonconstruction goods and services valued between $5,000 and $150,000.
In its second year, the program will expand to include larger procurements valued at more than $150,000.
In addition, participating small businesses will have free access for one year to SmartBid, a service providing account holders with automatic e-mail notifications of executive-department procurement opportunities and quick and easy online bid submission for resulting contracts. •