Testimony of IG Jeffrey Shapiro Regarding MassDOT Service Plaza Procurement
IG Shapiro detailed the OIG’s investigatory findings of MassDOT’s flawed service plaza procurement in testimony before the Senate Post Audit Committee.
Read the TestimonyOIG In Your Inbox – Should Your Municipality Appoint a CPO? Yes!
Why should your municipality appoint a Chief Procurement Officer? CPOs have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that procurements comply with the law and follow best practices. They help avoid costly errors and mistakes.
Read the AdvisoryInvestigatory Review of Failed 2025 Service Plaza Procurement
The OIG found that the integrity of the procurement process for a new operator of 18 highway service plazas was undermined by multiple flaws. The OIG firmly posits that no procurement of this size, scope, and significance should rest on a weakened foundation. While no one finding was likely the fatal blow to this procurement,
the OIG’s eight findings in what would have been a 35-year lease should give pause.
OIG: Service Plazas Procurement “Not a Model”
The OIG found too many flaws in this procurement to say with confidence that the procurement, had it been fully executed, was based on a solid foundation.
Read the Press ReleaseOIG Special Education Transportation Study Complete
Study Points to Funding Model and Previous Recommendations Not Acted Upon
Read the Press ReleaseSpecial Education Transportation Study
The OIG reviewed the Commonwealth’s special education transportation services, pursuant to Section 2A of Chapter 7 of the Acts of 2025. Specifically, the OIG was tasked with reviewing how districts procure special education transportation services, which have been increasing in cost, and recommending ways to reduce costs, maximize purchasing power, act transparently and efficiently, and explore opportunities for regionalization.
Read the ReportInspector General Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee Testimony on Service Plazas
IG Shapiro provided an overview of what the OIG expects to see in large-scale public procurements in testimony before the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee on MassDOT’s failed service plaza procurement.
Read the TestimonyRedline Document with House 7 Bill’s Proposed Technical Corrections for Chapter 30B
This document provides technical corrections for House Bill 7, An Act Relative to Technical Corrections in Chapter 30B by updating references to other statutes that have been amended in the General Laws.
Read the TestimonyOIG In Your Inbox – Contracting with Concessionaires
When properly executed and managed, concession contracts can be an alternative non-tax revenue stream for a municipality with a value-added use of public land. The contracts also benefit your constituents. This advisory provides guidance on proper management of concession contracts.
Read the AdvisoryIG Shapiro Calls Steamship Authority’s Website Project A “Cascade of Failures”
OIG Investigation finds that Steamship Authority’s website project was misguided, mismanaged and wasteful.
Read the Press ReleaseThe Steamship Authority’s Website Development Project
An OIG investigation into a website development project by the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA) found that the project was ill-conceived, poorly executed, and a waste of public funds. The investigation also found that the project’s breakdown was rooted in the failure of the SSA general manager and the SSA Board of Governors (Board) to fully and properly exercise their respective duties and responsibilities.
Read the ReportOIG Bulletin, December 2025
Sound Budget Practices Prevent Surprise Shortfalls, 5 Recent Investigations and Case Updates, Chapter 30B Hot Topics, and more.
Read the Bulletin