VEH119: This is a Statewide Contract for the supply of Road Salt, Treated Rock Salt, and Solar Salt to the Eligible Entities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for de-icing/anti-icing purposes, including environmentally preferable options. The Contract is also available for use by other Eligible Entities who sign an annual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to use the contract each year. Each Commonwealth Agency or Eligible Entity is responsible for executing their own purchase orders and paying their own invoices for goods and services acquired from this Statewide Contract . 

The contract is awarded by 18 MassDOT Areas, each area has a single vendor awarded for Road Salt, a single vendor awarded for Treated Rock Salt, and a single vendor awarded for Solar Salt. Pricing for each area and salt type is available in Appendix A: Vendor Pricing. A list of the 18 MassDOT Areas and the corresponding cities and towns is available in Appendix B: MassDOT Areas by Cities & Towns.

For the Master Contract Record, refer to the Master Blanket Purchase Order (MBPO) with RFR PO-24-1080-OSD03-OSD03-30274.

Note: This contract may be used to procure the goods or services described in this user guide at any dollar amount. Any limitations, including for procurements involving construction, are outlined in this Contract User Guide.

Benefits and Cost Savings

Statewide Contracts are an easy way to obtain benefits for your organization by: 

• Leveraging the Commonwealth’s buying power
• Simplifying the solicitation process
• Providing contracting expertise
• Enhancing vendor relationships through proactive management and oversight
• Offering competitive pricing
• Offering Prompt Payment Discounts (PPD), which is a percentage discount given to the buyer if the invoice is paid within a specified time, in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Bill Paying Policy

• Partnering with a pool of qualified and experienced vendors 
• Accessing a wide range of environmentally preferable products and services
  

This contract includes 3 categories of products as listed below:

Category 1: Road Salt - traditional mined sodium chloride rock salt.
Category 2: Treated Rock Salt - Rock Salt treated with corrosion inhibited Liquid Magnesium Chloride, which includes Organic Based Performance Enhancer (OBPE) to be kept in closed storage.
Category 3: Solar Salt

The following is a complete list of the types of organizations generally allowed to use the Operational Service Division’s (OSD's) Statewide Contracts (SWCs). Some SWCs may be open to additional organizations, and some are more restricted in usage.

• Cities, towns, districts, counties, and other political subdivisions
• Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, including all departments and elected offices therein
• Independent public authorities, commissions, and quasi-public agencies
• Local public libraries, public school districts, and charter schools
• Public hospitals owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Public institutions of higher education
• Public purchasing cooperatives
• Non-profit, UFR-certified organizations that are doing business with the Commonwealth
• Other states and territories and their cities, towns, districts, counties, other political subdivisions, and public institutions of higher education without prior approval from the State Purchasing Agent 
• Other entities when designated in writing by the State Purchasing Agent
  

Note: The price files and vendor catalogs are accessible through public view in COMMBUYS; therefore, buyers may access the price files and vendor catalogs without signing into a COMMBUYS account.

The pricing options are outlined as follows:

• Ceiling/Not-to-Exceed: The contract's published pricing, including discounts, is a maximum price or 'not-to-exceed' limit and may be subject to further negotiation.
• To view awarded pricing for each category type and 18 MassDOT Areas see Appendix

Note: Links to all the vendors’ Master Blanket Purchase Orders (MBPOs), where product pricing may be found, are provided in the Vendor List and Information.

• Purchases made through this contract will be direct, outright purchases

Purchases made through this contract will be direct, outright purchases. Buyers are recommended to call vendors for orders (see vendor contact info on the Vendor List and Information page). Always reference VEH119 when ordering to get contract pricing. 

• Direct Purchase of Fixed Price Items on COMMBUYS: Used for products and services with fixed pricing and is viewable in vendor catalogs or price files. Refer to the Vendor List and Information for a list of eligible vendors. The buyer can submit a request for goods and services from a Statewide Contract (SWC) or a Designated SWC. This option is for users with Basic Purchaser or Department Access privileges in COMMBUYS. Once the requisition is approved, a Purchase Order (PO) is generated and can be sent to the vendor. 

Refer to the How to Make a Statewide Contract Purchase in COMMBUYS job aid for more details. 

Note: MOSAIC and COMMBUYS do not interface. Payment request and invoice must be reported in both MOSAIC and COMMBUYS.

COMMBUYS is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' e-procurement platform, serving as a central marketplace for state agencies and other Eligible Entities to procure goods and services, connecting government buyers and businesses. It aims to streamline the purchasing process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the procurement process.

For Executive Agencies, COMMBUYS is required. Per 801 CMR 21.00, Executive Agencies must use established Statewide Contracts (SWCs) for the purchase of products and services. To set up a COMMBUYS buyer account or to update an existing agency account, the buyers must contact the COMMBUYS Help Desk at: 888-627-8283 or OSDhelpdesk@mass.gov.

While COMMBUYS use is not mandated for Non-Executive Agencies and other Eligible Entities, it is highly recommended to streamline the procurement process and assist buyers in making informed purchasing choices. Eligible entities should follow their internal guidelines for COMMBUYS use.

Buyers can view contract documents on COMMBUYS without requiring a COMMBUYS account or logging in.  
To find contract documents in COMMBUYS, follow these steps:

1. On the COMMBUYS home page, enter VEH119 in the search tool and select Blankets from the drop-down list.
2. Select the Search icon. The related Master Blanket Purchase Orders (MBPOs) information opens in a table format. 
3. To view the associated contract documents, under the Blanket # column, select the applicable Purchase Order (PO) link. MBPO opens for the selected PO and the attachments can be found in the Agency Attachments or Vendor Attachments section. 

All standard contract documents are within the Master Contract Record. Access them directly by selecting MBPO PO-24-1080-OSD03-OSD03-30274.

If applicable, to find vendor-specific documents, view the links to the individual vendor MBPOs on the Vendor Information page, and follow these steps:

1. On the Vendor Information page, select the applicable Purchase Order (PO) link. The Master Blanket Purchase Order (MBPO) opens for the selected PO.
2. If applicable, on the MBPO, scroll down to the Vendor Attachments section to find the vendor-specific documents.
3. To view, select the desired document link.

Please refer to the following guidelines:

• Executive Departments must use diverse and small businesses to the extent possible based on contract terms, Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), and departmental policies, laws, and regulations.
• The Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) applies to small procurements ($250,000 or below annually), while the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) applies to large procurements (over $250,000 annually). Executive Departments must consider these requirements when soliciting quotes or issuing Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Operational Services Division (OSD) provides a list of SDO businesses through the Statewide Contract Index. Refer to the Programs (SDP and SBPP) tab on the index (scroll to view the tab).

• In cases where all other factors are equal, and particularly when adhering to a best value approach, the department will favor the vendor with stronger SDP commitment.
• For more information, refer to Best Value Evaluation of SDP Plan Forms: A Guide for Strategic Sourcing Teams.
• Vendor SDP commitment percentages may be found on the Vendor List table.

• If available, departments must notify at least two certified small businesses capable of providing the product or service. Bids received from SBPP-participating small businesses must be evaluated, and if one meets the department’s best value criteria, the contract must be awarded to that vendor.
• For more information, refer to Best Value Evaluation of Responses to Small Procurements: A Guide for Strategic Sourcing Teams.
• Vendor SBPP Certification status can be found on the Vendor List table.

The awarded vendor’s use of subcontractors is subject to the provisions of the Commonwealth’s Terms and Conditions and Standard Contract Form, as well as other applicable terms of this Statewide Contract (SWC). 

For shipping, delivery, and returns, please follow these guidelines:

• All pricing under VEH119 is inclusive of delivery to the locations indicated and in accordance with schedules prescribed by the Purchasing Entities. The intent of VEH119 is for all orders to be delivered by the vendor.  
• Deliveries will be bulk, tailgate delivery. Bulk, tailgate delivery is defined as the delivery of Road Salt, Treated Rock Salt, and Solar Salt in trucks to an indicated location and dumped in a pile as directed by the Eligible Entity.  
• VEH119 Customers are not required to pay for delivered quantities exceeding the total quantities shown in the purchase order.  
• In the event of Extreme Emergencies defined in Section 4.3 of the VEH119 RFR, the Commonwealth may require that the vendor allow for orders to be picked up.

• Early Order Discounts: Vendors may provide an early order discount to Eligible Entities as an incentive to fill up their salt sheds early. Eligible Entities should enquire about early order discounts when placing their orders with the vendors.   

Note: Vendor discounts are detailed in the Vendor List table and the price files within each vendor's Master Blanket Purchase Order (MBPO) or Master Contract Record MBPO.

Vendors on this contract may be required to provide products or services in cases of statewide emergencies. The 801 CMR 21.05(3) defines emergency for procurement purposes. Visit the Emergency Response Supplies, Services and Equipment Contact Information for Statewide Contracts list for emergency services related to this contract.

Vendors' performance is measured by several factors, including the following:

• Buyers provide actionable feedback on vendors for this contract to optimize performance through the Procurated platform. On the Procurated website, click "Search for a Massachusetts Vendor to Review", then search for the vendor by name and select them from the list. Once you enter your professional email address, you will be forwarded to the review screen.
• Buyers are encouraged to reach out to the Category Manager(s) (Sean Corbin or Tatiana Henry) if vendors are not meeting their contractual obligations and buyers may be surveyed for vendor performance feedback.
• Vendors will be evaluated on their current performance and may be asked to work with the Commonwealth toward improvement.
• Vendors must meet all contractual requirements throughout the life of the contract, including requirements for timely and accurate report submission, to remain in good standing under the contract.
  

For general procurement guidelines and best practices, follow these recommendations:

• Buyers should inform vendors to reference Statewide Contract VEH119 on all quotes and invoices.
• No prepayment should be made for products not yet delivered or services not yet rendered.
• No sales tax should be applied to invoices.
• No fees or surcharges (including travel, fuel, delivery) should be applied to invoices.
• Special order fees must be agreed upon by both parties upfront.
• Payments for products or services provided must be paid within 45 days per Massachusetts Bill Payment Policy, or sooner if applying Prompt Payment Discount.
• Buyers are not required to sign additional agreements with vendors that conflict with the Request for Response (RFR) Terms and Conditions. Contact the Category Manager(s) (Sean Corbin or Tatiana Henry) for guidance. 
• Vendors must notify buyers of product substitutions.

To add a product or service to the list of eligible products or services sold under this contract, buyers must contact their Category Manager(s) (Sean Corbin or Tatiana Henry) for approval. The new product or service requested must comply with the established specifications and scope of the contract.

• All vendors are required to be participants in the EPA’s SmartWay Partnership  
• Any ingredients utilized in Treated Rock Salt must be non-toxic and meet the “Safer Choice” criteria set by the U.S. EPA and/or be listed on the Clear Roads QPL and desirable to also be Bio Preferred.  
  

When placing orders with a vendor, MOSAIC users must reference the contract ID number VEH119* in the Agreement ID field in MOSAIC for encumbrances related to purchases from Statewide Contracts. Please address all inquiries regarding MOSAIC technical support and job aids by emailing the Comptroller Help Desk or by calling 617-973-2468. 

*The asterisk is required when referencing the contract in the Massachusetts Management Accounting Reporting System (MOSAIC).

Truck Safety Standards
The RMV enacted new regulations (540 CMR 4.10 to 4.13) that apply to certain registered motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers and semi-trailer units classified as class 3 or above by the Federal Highway Administration, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,001 pounds or more (“Heavy Vehicles”). Heavy Vehicles that are (1) leased or purchased by the Commonwealth on or after January 1, 2023, or (2) operated under contracts with the Commonwealth executed on or after January 1, 2025, that require the use of Heavy Vehicles in writing or by necessary implication, must be equipped with the following truck safety devices:

• Lateral protective devices (LPD), commonly called “Side Guards,”
• Convex mirrors,
• Crossover mirrors, and
• Back-up cameras

For snow and ice management and removal services and towing services, these regulations apply to Heavy Vehicles operated under contracts with the Commonwealth that were executed on or after July 1, 2025. Heavy Vehicles affected by the RMV regulations must be certified as compliant with these requirements beginning 12/31/2025 using the RMV portal. Please refer to MassDOT’s guidance here for information about updates on truck safety devices, the certification and waiver process, and guidance for contractors. Further guidance will soon be available on the OSD website.