It is well known that Massachusetts, of all of the States in the Union, has one of the most complex array of statutes and regulations governing the procurement of public construction projects and the purchase of goods and services. As a result, public employees whose positions involve responsibility for construction and purchasing have a heavy responsibility to ensure that these activities are carried out in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and sound business practices.

The Massachusetts Association of Public Purchasing Officials (“MAPPO”) is a professional association organized and operating to support these employees. MAPPO is a participant with the Massachusetts Inspector General whose certification and continuing education program is designed to confirm a high level of competence in the field.

MAPPO sponsors seminars, offers the shared resources of colleagues through e-mail, conducts monthly meetings with speakers on various aspects of construction and purchasing (that count for cpu credits for MCPPO recertification), e-mail and other Internet networking, provides information on legislative and regulatory matters affecting public purchasing in Massachusetts, and has established subcommittees focused on special projects.

Membership in MAPPO is open to all public employees whose duties include responsibility for public agencies who purchase goods and services and engage in construction. The current annual dues for full membership is $150.00 which includes all regular monthly meetings. The current annual dues for an associate member is $35.00, which does not include the monthly meeting cost. The membership year starts on September 1st and ends on August 31st, with ten monthly meetings scheduled from September to June each term.

Through the years, MAPPO members have consistently spoken of the value of this network of professional colleagues as a major resource for support in the performance of the responsibilities of their positions.