The Maryland Department of General Services’ Office of State Procurement this week launched eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), the State’s new e-procurement system. The network features state-of-the-art procurement technology powered by the Ivalua Platform, a global leader in procurement technology.

General Services partnered with Nitor, a procurement services firm focused on spend management, to oversee implementation efforts of the new system. eMMA will allow buyers to collaborate with vendors from the bidding and contracting process all the way through the purchasing process.

According to a press release:

“With the addition of this e-procurement system, Maryland is taking a significant step forward in the way we do business,” said Governor Hogan. “I am extremely proud of the team effort between the Departments of General Services, Information Technology, Budget and Management, and Transportation, as well as the guidance of Lt. Governor Rutherford, to complete this major procurement and ensure that Maryland remains open for business.”

“eMaryland Marketplace Advantage is much more than the state’s new bid board,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “It is an adaptive tool that provides innovation and flexibility over time, fits into our modernization goals of innovation and efficiency, and will help us anticipate future needs.”

“eMMA offers a user friendly interface that will drive transparency, quality, and compliance,” said General Services Secretary Ellington E. Churchill. “eMMA will provide the tools necessary to take Maryland into the next generation of procurement.”

Over 12,000 vendors have pre-registered in eMMA and have positioned themselves to do business with Maryland and its local governments. Vendors not yet registered are encouraged to do so. Vendors can access the system to conduct business or register by going to procurement.maryland.gov.

While the user experience is intuitive, help and training will be provided during the transition by the eMMA help desk. The state is currently in the process of training over 825 procurement professionals. Quick reference guides (QRGs) and other training aids are available at procurement.maryland.gov. Questions can be sent to emma.helpdesk@maryland.gov.

Read the full press release for more information.