Important Changes  OIG Bulletin, February 2021: MCPPO Designation Changes

Date:	02/12/2021
Organization:	Office of the Inspector General
Referenced Sources:	OIG Academy

We are updating the MCPPO designation requirements and the application and renewal processes to make them more relevant and inclusive. 

Updates to the MCPPO Designation for February 2021

Greetings MCPPO Designees:

The Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) designation requirements are changing to ensure that all MCPPO designees have a uniform understanding of Massachusetts public procurement laws and practices.  

• Effective March 1, 2021, we will no longer offer separate designations for Supplies and Services Contracting (SSC) or Design and Construction Contracting (DCC).
• Effective July 1, 2021, new applicants for an MCPPO designation (MCPPO or Associate MCPPO) must successfully complete our three core classes – Public Contracting Overview, Supplies and Services Contracting and Design and Construction Contracting – within a three-year period.

If you currently hold an SSC or DCC designation that expires before July 1, 2021, we strongly encourage you to take the third core class (for example, Design and Construction Contracting for those who currently hold the SSC designation) before your designation expires. You can take this class in place of the MCPPO Designation Renewal class or other continuing education credits you may need for your designation renewal.

After July 1, 2021, you must take the core class you need to meet the new requirements. You will be able to take this core class in place of the MCPPO Designation Renewal class during your three-year designation renewal period, but you will still need to earn any additional required continuing education credits.

Please note that these changes relate to MCPPO designations only. Charter School Certification and School Designer and Owner’s Project Manager Certification, required by Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) regulations, have not changed. These certifications are not related to the MCPPO designation.

Please feel free to contact the MCPPO program if you have questions about any of these changes. You can reach us by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 617-722-8884. Thank you for your participation in the MCPPO program and for your commitment to professionalism and public service.

Sincerely,

MCPPO Program Staff