Maintaining efficient operations across the five UMass campuses and the President's Office requires strong collaboration between university departments and suppliers. To enhance this collaboration, the Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST), in partnership with campus Facilities departments and the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC), launched an initiative aimed at streamlining Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) procurement. This effort helps suppliers increase their visibility, provides cost-saving opportunities, and ensures UMass has access to high-quality goods and services. In this Q&A, Michael Boyle, Facilities and MRO Category Manager at UPST, shares insights into the MRO Program, supplier engagement, and its impact.
Q&A with UPST Category Manager, Michael Boyle
Mike Boyle is the Facilities and MRO Category Manager at the University of Massachusetts within the Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST). He is also certified as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) by the Office of the State Inspector General. Before his role at the UMass President's Office, Mike was a Purchasing Agent at the UMass Chan Medical School.
Q: Why is supplier engagement so crucial to UMass?
A key factor in UMass’s growth and success lies in our strong partnerships with our suppliers. We are committed to building collaborative relationships based on mutual respect and support, and we actively seek out competitively sourced and compliant suppliers to work with us. These partnerships help us drive efficiency, innovation, and value across the university system.
Q: What is the MRO Program, and how does it benefit suppliers and UMass?
The MRO Contract Program is a collaborative initiative between UMass and the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC). This program was designed to streamline the MRO supplier base through a competitive strategic sourcing process at UMass, making procurement more efficient and cost-effective. Suppliers participating in the program benefit from increased brand visibility and the opportunity to connect with current and potential campus buyers through supplier engagement programs at UMass campuses, such as the MRO Campus Roadshow series.
Q: How does this initiative enhance UMass supplier engagement efforts?
This program has helped UMass prioritize supplier and end-user interactions, driving discussions on how best to optimize service delivery while ensuring that suppliers build relationships with people who actually handle purchasing decisions on each campus. This ensures that a solid foundation is built now that can sustain the symbiotic relationship between UMass and our suppliers through the contract end date of July 30, 2029. These efforts simplify the procurement process and strengthen supplier relationships by providing long-term partnership opportunities.
Q: How does this initiative align with UMass’s broader strategic procurement strategy?
The MRO Program exemplifies our dedication to developing strong relationships with our suppliers. By fostering collaboration, we ensure the university system is well-supported with reliable, cost-effective solutions. This initiative reflects our broader procurement strategy of maximizing shared value, ensuring compliance, and supporting diverse and competitive supplier engagement.
Q: Where can suppliers find more information?
Suppliers interested in learning more about the MRO Contract Program can contact UPST.