To Our Valued University of Massachusetts Supplier and Partner Community,

As key collaborators in the University of Massachusetts’ mission, your partnership plays a vital role in helping us deliver an affordable world-class education, conduct groundbreaking research, and create lasting social and economic impact. By providing the goods and services that power our campuses, you help ensure that UMass can continue transforming lives, driving innovation, and energizing communities.

In this edition of our supplier newsletter, we share updates and resources designed to strengthen our collaboration and support our shared success.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to UMass. Together, we are building a brighter future.

Strengthening Partnerships: A Message from UMass CPO

A Welcome Message from Michael Durkin, Chief Procurement Officer

“What term best describes your relationship with UMass—Vendor, Supplier, Contractor, Merchant, or Partner? At UMass, we believe in moving beyond transactions to build true partnerships that drive innovation, efficiency, and impact.”

As the new Chief Procurement Officer at UMass, Michael Durkin shares his vision for the future. Michael emphasizes that with over a billion dollars in non-personal spending and more than 30,000 registered entities in our e-procurement system, when our suppliers are partners, we create stronger, more innovative, and more efficient solutions together.

Building on Success: Leadership Transitions at UPST

As UPST continues its journey of growth and innovation, we remain deeply committed to collaborating with our valued suppliers and partners.

Change is an opportunity for growth, and at the UMass Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST), we embrace transitions as a chance to build on our successes. In this milestone year, we welcomed new leadership, with Michael Durkin stepping into the role of Chief Procurement Officer and Brian Girard as Deputy Chief Procurement Officer. Together, they will lead UPST into an exciting future of enhanced services and collaboration.

Celebrating Five Years of Partnership and Efficiency at UPST

Your contributions are vital to the success of UMass, and we are excited to move forward together under the guidance of our exceptional leadership team.

This past year marked a significant milestone for the Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST) as we celebrated five years of providing streamlined and efficient procurement services across the University of Massachusetts system. Since its inception, UPST has driven innovation, created efficiencies, and strengthened partnerships, enabling UMass to fulfill its mission of delivering world-class education and groundbreaking research.

Supplier Spotlight: How Metro Elevator and UMass Are Reaching New Partnership Heights

“Because of this relationship with UMass our company has experienced sustainable growth and solidified our position in New England. This has been a phenomenal partnership for us. It may sound cliché, but having a customer who is a true partner is exactly what we seek.”
- Scott O’Hare, President, Metro Elevator

At UMass, we are dedicated to creating sourcing opportunities that promote growth and development throughout our campuses. Today, we are excited to share the inspiring success story of a local veteran-owned business that emerged as a trusted partner for UMass during a crucial time: Metro Elevator - New England.

Recipient Select Plus (RSP): Convenient Payments for Individual Suppliers

“If you are a current Individual Domestic Supplier then Recipient Select Plus is an easy way to ensure convenient choice between payment methods through your UMass Supplier Portal.”
- Monica Jackson, Director of Cash Management, Treasury

Have you heard of Recipient Select Plus (RSP)? RSP is an innovative payment platform powered by Bank of America, designed to provide individual suppliers with convenient payment options. Monica Jackson, the Director of Cash Management, shares an update on this exciting platform for individual suppliers and offers a glimpse of what’s to come.

Need to Submit your Certificates of Insurance?

“Your compliance with our insurance requirements helps protect both your business and ours by mitigating potential risks.”
- Susan Cone, Senior Contracts Specialist, UPST

Submitting your Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a vital step in ensuring compliance while supporting a secure business relationship with UMass. In this article, Sue Cone, our Senior Contracts Specialist, outlines everything you need to know, including COI requirements, submission instructions, and why this process matters. Read the full article to stay informed and take the necessary steps to maintain compliance.

Collaborating with Suppliers to Streamline Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Purchases Across UMass

“The MRO Contract Program exemplifies our dedication to developing strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.”
- Michael Boyle, Category Manager, UPST

A significant factor in the growth and success of UMass is the strong partnerships we develop with our suppliers. Our individual campus Facilities departments and the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) worked together to streamline the MRO supplier base at UMass while also driving campus-specific roadshows targeted at putting our suppliers in direct contact with our end users. In this new article, UPST Category Manager Michael Boyle discusses the program and highlights its benefits for our suppliers.

Streamline Your Procurement Needs with UMass Chatbot, Buddy!

“Buddy is a fast and efficient way to get the information you need at your own convenience!”
- By Garret Oliver, Business Associate, UPST

Did you know that Buddy, UPST’s AI-powered virtual assistant, is available 24/7 to help with your procurement-related questions? From updating your supplier profile to checking payment status, Buddy is here to make your experience faster and easier.