- Operational Services Division
New Wheels at the Lowell Housing Authority
A RECENT STATEWIDE CONTRACT PURCHASE BY THE LOWELL HOUSING AUTHORITY has improved an employee’s ability to provide great service to the Lowell community. The cargo van, purchased from Statewide Contract VEH110, replaces a van that was on its last legs and in danger of failing inspection.
The best part? Lowell was able to put the van to work within a week of the purchase.
Finding a quality vehicle is a time-consuming process due to the supply chain disruptions impacting vehicle manufacturing and distributing. Rita Brousseau, Chief Procurement Officer for the Lowell Housing Authority, oversaw the van purchase. “I called nearly every vendor on VEH110 until I found someone who had what we needed,” said Rita. “Using Statewide Contracts and not going out to bid saved us so much time. Everyone was thrilled that I secured a vehicle so quickly.”
The cargo van is used by Housing Authority employee, Carlos, to transport donations for various programs organized by the Housing Authority. According to Rita, Carlos is a hard worker and never complained about the aging van. “Among the van’s wear and tear, the air conditioning was failing, and the floor was wearing thin, with a hole rusted through,” said Rita. “As soon as funding became available for the new van, we knew we needed to act fast.”
On the day of the van’s arrival, Carlos was called to the office to pick up what he believed was a furniture donation. Upon arrival, Carlos was met by several of his co-workers and handed the keys to the new van. “Carlos was smiling ear to ear, and it felt great to get this upgrade for such a hardworking and valuable employee,” said Rita. Visit the Operational Services Division Local Government Enablement Team online at www.mass.gov/info-details/find-local-government-resources to learn how Statewide Contracts may have an impact in your community.
