Purchasing FAQ's

How do HCC faculty or staff members use the MHEC/ State Contracts?

Holyoke Community College faculty and staff may use Comm-PASS to view current State Contracts by selecting the "Contracts" tab. The active Statewide Contracts are pre-bid and may be used by faculty and staff to purchase supplies and services for Holyoke Community College in any amount.

How does a vendor participate in MHEC/State Solicitations?

Open bids are posted on the bulletin board across the hall from Frost 335.
Vendors may contact the Director of Business Services to inquire about open bids. In addition, vendors who subscribe to Comm-PASS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Procurement System, receive email notification of any solicitation that HCC posts on Comm-PASS.

What are the maximum amounts a department may spend without conducting a bid?

$1,999.99 is the maximum unless a State or MHEC contract is used. If the amount to be spent is more than $2,000.00 but less than $5,000.00, three quotes are required unless a State or MHEC contract is used. If $5,000.00 or more is to be spent, a bid is required unless a State or MHEC contract is used.

How do I use the State or MHEC contracts?

Contracts posted on both the Comm-PASS and MHEC websites include detailed instructions. For more information, contact the Director of Business Services.