Appointing a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO)
A local jurisdiction that wishes to use Chapter 30B’s request for proposals (RFP) process must appoint a CPO to oversee procurements of $50,000 or more. The CPO may also be responsible for all activities related to buying, leasing, renting or acquiring supplies or services for all departments.
The CPO ensures that the local jurisdiction’s contracting practices are carried out according to state law and local requirements. Centralized purchasing under a CPO can result in greater efficiency, improved quality of supplies and services, and cost savings. The CPO may also delegate procurement powers and duties. Appointments and delegations should be made to the position/job title (e.g., library director or school business manager) and not the individual employee.
Keep in mind that you may only delegate CPO powers or duties under M.G.L. c. 30B. Note that other applicable statutes, rules, regulations, charters, ordinances, or bylaws my apply. For example, where statutes or other rules require that a contract be approved by the mayor, city council, board of selectmen or school committee, the CPO and those with delegated CPO authority may not provide final approval.
Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Delegation
Chapter 30B allows a CPO wide latitude to delegate procurement powers and duties to other employees within the same governmental body — it can be very specific, limited or broad. A CPO may issue more than one delegation at a time, and multiple positions may have delegated authority. Please complete and sign a separate delegation form below for each position/job title with designated CPO powers and duties.
A delegation of the CPO’s responsibilities, and any amendment to or revocation of a delegation, will not take effect until the Office of the Inspector General has received this form. A delegation will remain in effect until amended or revoked by the CPO unless the delegation includes an expiration date.
See The Chapter 30B Manual: Procuring Supplies, Services and Real Property for additional information on the role of a CPO. If your jurisdiction does not have the original CPO form on file, and you would like to know who the current CPO is, then please contact us via our Chapter 30B technical assistance form.