MASTER AGREEMENTS (MAs) - 1610

Introduction

Master Agreements (MAs) are one of the State’s main procurement vehicles for leveraging its buying power.  Departments shall use MAs whenever the functional requirements for which the contract was awarded are substantially the same as the departments’ requirements.

Criteria for Use of MAs

• State departments must obtain equipment from an existing MA if the functions to be performed can be satisfied by the functional requirements and specifications under which the MA was awarded.
• State departments may not acquire equipment from a MA for functional requirements other than those for which the MA was awarded.
• State departments may use equipment acquired from the MA for auxiliary functions only if such functions are incidental to the principal function for which the equipment was justified and is being used.
• State departments must initiate individual competitive procurements to acquire equipment or services under the following situations:
  • The functional requirements are different from those for which the MA contract was awarded; or
  • The functional requirements are consistent with the MA but the specifications cannot be met by the MA.