The Maryland Public Purchasing Association, Inc. (MPPA) is a professional organization comprised of over 300 procurement professionals throughout the State. MPPA, Inc. members represent various public purchasing entities including the federal government, state, cities, counties, colleges and universities, libraries, hospitals, commissions and other public agencies. MPPA, Inc. is the local chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), which has over 70 chapters in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The aims and objectives of MPPA, Inc. are synonymous with those of the parent NIGP organization. NIGP is dedicated to establishing and maintaining increased professionalism in the field of public sector procurement. The NIGP Code of Ethics is the standard for MPPA, Inc. as well as the importance of education. MPPA, Inc. offers educational and training seminars designed for members to obtain professional certification status, including Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).

MPPA, Inc.'s general membership meetings are usually on the second Thursday every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). The meetings include a speaker on relevant procurement topics and a great opportunity to network with your peers. A fine luncheon is provided for a modest charge. Membership dues are a nominal $50 annually.

During the late 1970's, the foundation was poured for the Maryland Public Purchasing Association by a group of purchasing professionals who were interested in furthering the development of cooperative purchasing issues as well other initiatives of public procurement interest. This group worked in public purchasing and were predominately from Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. They numbered thirty practitioners and together they applied to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) for Charter acceptance as their Maryland Chapter. In March of 1980, NIGP granted this group official Chapter status and the Maryland Public Purchasing Association was formed.