OSD Buyer Training

Class Type: Webinar (2 hours) 

This hands-on class presents instructions on purchasing from Solicitation Enabled Release Contracts and guidance on how to enter after-the-fact purchases through Request for Payment Authorization (RPA) or Request for Payment Authorization Release (RPA Release) transactions.  

This class is designed for experienced COMMBUYS users who have attended the COMMBUYS Purchasing class.

Participants will receive an in-depth overview of the two types of RPAs in COMMBUYS, along with the process involved to order from Solicitation Enabled Statewide Contracts. 

Prerequisite: All participants are required to attend OSD’s COMMBUYS Purchasing class prior to attending the Advanced Purchasing class.  

Class Type: Webinar (1 day)

This hands-on class is for Executive Department staff responsible for conducting procurements for goods and/or services not available on Statewide Contracts in COMMBUYS.

The class covers the use of the Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system, the companion system to COMMBUYS.  Included in the instruction is the formulation of a sourcing strategy, creation of a bid solicitation package, vendor quote receipt and evaluation, contract award, and contract execution.  

Class Type: Webinar (2 hours) 

This class is for those identified as Organizational Administrators (OA) in COMMBUYS. This training provides an in-depth overview and guidance on setting up your organization in COMMBUYS, which includes organization information, approvals, workflow, and user profile set-up. Upon completion, OAs will be prepared to fulfill their roles in COMMBUYS, including set-up activities and maintenance tasks.  

Class Type: Webinar (2 hours)

This hands-on class is recommended for non-Executive Department staff responsible for conducting procurements for goods and/or services not available on Statewide Contracts in COMMBUYS.

The class covers bid creation, identifying items and services to solicit, attaching bid solicitations, identifying potential bidders, and posting bids.

Also included in this class is a brief explanation of how vendors respond to bids.  

 Class Type: Webinar (1 hour)  

This class provides a demonstration on how to order Statewide Contract catalog items in COMMBUYS, including fixed-price and zero-dollar line items (where the price fluctuates throughout the life of the contract), as well as items ordered from PunchOut catalogs which are hosted in COMMBUYS and link to the vendor’s dedicated online shopping site that displays their contract products. 

Class Type:  Webinar (2 hours)

This class introduces Eligible Non-Profit and Other Eligible Entity (non-Executive Agency) staff to COMMBUYS, system navigation, and policy for the purchase of goods from Statewide Contracts.

Participants learn to locate and use Statewide Contracts and User Guides, search for specific items, and purchase from various catalog types. This hands-on training provides an overview and practice of COMMBUYS purchasing.

Class Type: Webinar (30 minutes)

This 30-minute webinar provides an overview of COMMBUYS purchasing for non-profit organizations.  

Formerly Called - RPA & RPA Enabled Contracts

Class Type: Webinar (1 hour) 

This class provides instruction on how to create a Request for Payment Authorization (RPA)  release requisition, in COMMBUYS for Statewide Contracts that are RPA Release Enabled and to convert the RPA release requisition into a release purchase.

Additionally, attendees will learn how to create an RPA when an emergency or incidental purchase is necessary for a good or service that is not on a Statewide Contract.

A Request for Payment Authorization (RPA) release is used in COMMBUYS to document a contract purchase that has taken place or to request funds for products and services that have been purchased.  

Class Type: In-person or Webinar (1 day)

This one-day class introduces procurement professionals to the Operational Services Division (OSD) and provides an overview of the policies and procedures related to purchasing and procuring goods or services in the Commonwealth.

Participants completing this course will have a basic understanding of: 

• The goals of the Operational Services Division
• Purchasing from a Statewide Contract
• Policies and procedures for conducting a procurement
• Cost saving opportunities within the Commonwealth
• OSD’s procurement programs such as the Environmentally 

Class Type: Webinar (2 Hours)

This class provides an introduction to Statewide Contracts and COMMBUYS. It is recommended that all new and existing procurement and purchasing staff (eligible entities included) responsible for purchasing goods and services for agency operations from Statewide or Departmental Contracts.

Class participants will learn how to search for contracts, vendors, and items, Contract User Guides, and how to evaluate comparative pricing.  

Class Type: In-person or Webinar (1 day) 

This hands-on class introduces participants to COMMBUYS and details how to perform various purchasing tasks within the system. This class is designed for those who are new to COMMBUYS, as well as those who have taken previous COMMBUYS Purchasing classes and wish to acquire additional COMMBUYS functionality skills. Participants receive an in-depth overview of the Commonwealth’s purchasing processes and policies, as well as hands-on practice with COMMBUYS. 

Participants will learn to:

• Locate and use Statewide Contracts and User Guides
• Search for vendors, items, contracts and documents within COMMBUYS
• Purchase from various catalog types
• Create a change order
• Clone a requisition

Class Type: Webinar (5 Full Days) 

The Strategic Sourcing Certificate Program (SSCP) is designed to educate Commonwealth Procurement Professionals about the skills and knowledge essential to strategic sourcing, enabling them to conduct effective procurements on behalf of their agencies. The certificate program consists of five, one-day module courses per session. Please note that attendance is required at all classroom sessions.

Prerequisite: All participants are required to attend OSD’s "Essentials of State Procurement" prior to attending. 

Please complete the application below and email to osdtraining@mass.gov.

SSCP Application - Section 62 Virtual