Citing insufficient competition, Idaho officials have abandoned their original bidding process meant to equip teachers and students with laptops computers.
Instead, the state will negotiate directly with companies in hopes of keeping this 5-year, $60 million mobile-computing piece of public schools chief Tom Luna’s disputed “Students Come First” reforms on track.
Purchasing officials say three private groups submitted bids.
One missed the June 11 deadline and was excluded. Another was on time, but failed to meet state requirements. Only one actually met the qualifications.
As a result, the Department of Administration said Tuesday it will negotiate with potential suppliers of computers and accompanying services to get the best deal.
The state says it isn’t entirely unexpected and believes devices will be on teachers’ desks by September or October, as planned. (AP)
