Feds still reject funding over Florida education Internet server

[Judi Lynn]

November 26. 2003 1:14PM
Feds still reject funding over Florida education Internet server


The Associated Press


TALLAHASSEE, Fla.


Florida's request for nearly $8 million to help fund its educational computer system has been rejected by federal authorities for a second time.

Since state funding runs out at the end of January, the state is going to have to scramble to find the money to keep running the network, the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group reported Wednesday. The state vowed to keep the program running. (snip)

(snip) Last March, the state transferred FIRN to Hayes E-Government Resources, which beat out three rivals for the $9 million contract.

Soon after receiving the contract, Hayes ended free dialup Internet access for school employees while at home. But the state said the privatization deal would expand capacity and reduce downtime, leading to improved overall service. (snip)

(snip) After studying the Hayes deal, the agency this summer concluded Florida had not followed federal rules in awarding the contract to Hayes. Those rules require that the price of the contract be the "primary factor" used in selecting a vendor. (snip/...)

http://gainesvillesun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031126/APN/311260850&cachetime=5