Bill > H2749

This bill proposes changes to how state agencies and authorities in Massachusetts procure products and services, prioritizing those from within the commonwealth or the United States. Specifically, it mandates that state entities must first seek products and services from businesses with their principal place of business in Massachusetts, unless comparable items can be found for at least 10% less cost outside the state. If not available in Massachusetts under those conditions, the bill requires procurement from businesses within the United States, again with a 10% cost exception for foreign purchases. Furthermore, the bill directs the operational services division to aim for at least 15% of statewide procurement contracts to be with small businesses that are independently owned, have a principal place of business in Massachusetts, have been operating for at least a year, and meet federal or state definitions of a small business.