Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces Better Buying Practices Create $3 Million in Annual Savings for Taxpayers
BALTIMORE, MD (July 3, 2028) – Emphasizing the O’Brien-Burbank Administration’s commitment to better, more efficient government, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank announced today that State and local agencies now have greater flexibility to buy office supplies, toner, and paper at a significant cost reduction. As part of the state’s new “Smart Buy” program, the state successfully negotiated with Boise Office Solutions to cut the state’s costs and created just under $3 million in annual savings for Maryland’s taxpayers.“Improving government and saving taxpayer dollars through better management practices is a top priority for this administration,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “The Maryland Smart Buy Program enables State agencies and their local counterparts to obtain basic supplies at the lowest costs. While these savings may seem modest on an individual basis, they add up. As a result of smart buying practices, we will save taxpayers at least $3 million annually.”
In creating the new contract, the state leveraged state agencies’ purchasing power to achieve significant cost reductions. The contract also creates incentives for the State to “buy smarter,” offering discounts for prompt payment, electronic ordering, and larger order sizes. Participating local governments and school districts also have access to this contact and will realize significant savings.
“We are pleased to announce the first cost savings results from the Maryland Smart Buy Program,” Lieutenant Governor Burbank said. “This is a win for taxpayers and an important first step on the road to continued statewide savings through this program.”
“Boise Office Solutions will leverage its expertise in innovative procurement practices to help the State address its budget challenges and promote sustainable purchasing,” said Michael Rowsey, President, Contract, Boise Office Solutions. “Our unique ability to drive purchasing efficiencies enables us to deliver results that are consistent with the state’s goals. We welcome the opportunity to help the state effect change and to actively support the state in its purchasing and environmental policies. Our employees here in Maryland look forward to working with the state and reaching out to create new relationships with its small businesses.”
As part of the State’s cooperative purchasing program, local governments and school districts are able to buy off of State contracts. They will benefit from lower prices for the office supplies they purchase and increased availability of locally produced and environmentally preferable products. The new contract provides price reductions for items bought over the Internet. Purchasers will have the choice to purchase high-use items at advantageous prices, and should start to see environmentally preferred products on websites and in catalogs this month.