I have questions on my school's eligibility.
How do I know which products are right for my school?
I have purchasing questions.
Other questions
The ESD 112 Instructional Technology Bid Process is broken down into three phases: the Call for Bids, the Technology Playoffs, and the Bid Awards.
Sealed bids are always due to the DigitalEdge office by 5:00 on the due date. They are opened and recorded by a committee of district technology directors at a public bid opening. After comparing the proposals, the committee recommends the products that advance to Phase 2 (the Playoffs), contingent upon the fact that the products meet all primary bid specs that were noted in the Call for Bids.
After the bids are opened and the specifications are checked on the products that the committee selects, the DigitalEdge office sponsors a “Playoff” of instructional technology products that advance to this phase. Several technology directors from Washington school districts volunteer to serve on the selection teams. They watch demonstrations on the products that make it to this phase, and put them through a selection process, evaluating key features, ease of use, durability, expandability, warranties, and cost. They come to consensus in their decisions about the products that should appear on the bid.
The Director of the DigitalEdge seeks answers to some of the selection committee's questions, and once the responses are received to the satisfaction of the committee, letters of bid awards and contractsare sent to the winning bidders. The official list of bid products, pricing and value-added items and services are created.
If your public educational organization is in one of the following states, you are eligible to purchase off these contracts.
Yes, independent schools in the eight states listed above are eligible to purchase off of this bid.
Public governmental agencies should contact the vendors to see if they will extend the DigitalEdge bid prices to them.
These contracts are intended to be used by public agencies and non-profit educational institutions only. However, please check with each reseller to get their final answer.
The Call for Bids is written on behalf of all public governmental agencies, K-20 schools, colleges and universities, state schools, educational service districts and state departments of education in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Hawaii and Alaska. According to the Washington's Attorney General's office, they do not need to be listed individually.
Our attorney is expert on this topic, and advises the DigitalEdge office on how to advertise this bid. The Call for Bids appears in the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, which is circulated in the entire state of Washington, and in the Portland Daily Journal of Commerce, which is circulated in the entire state of Oregon. It is also advertised in the Idaho Statesman and the Casper Star Tribune. In addition, the Call for bids is published (and archived) on the ESD 112 DigitalEdge web site. This meets the requirements of Washington bid law, as well as bid law in the other seven states that are eligible to purchase off this bid.
Then, download the product/price list, read the ordering instructions at the end of the document, and place your orders.
Absolutely!
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If possible, it is recommended that you at least choose a mid-range solution from a product line. But when that still leaves you with questions, it is wise to consider the following steps:
Sometimes, the technology budget will drive this decision. Some solutions are more expensive than others, but offer different features and options. Some are more expandable than others, and can be converted into a wireless or a networkable solution. More options equal more dollars, but often result in a better solution.
Size of room...kind of lighting...size and make-up of audience...type of presenter... specific application. These are all things that need to be considered when choosing a technology solution for its intended purpose. You might want to consider talking to other organizations that have deployed instructional technologies and get their input. In addition, feel free to call the resellers who can assist you, too.
All of the resellers that have been awarded contracts for the 2007 Instructional Technology Bids are ready and willing to come out and do a demonstration of their products.
No. You will order the products directly from the vendors, as per the instructions on the Products and Price lists. However, you will always fax a copy of your purchase order, made out to the vendor, to the DigitalEdge office at 360.696.3099, attention Nellie McCullough-Witt. She will record your P.O. and send it on to the vendor by the end of the business day.
Purchase as many units of each item that you need. There is no minimum purchase required, nor is there a limit to the number of items you order.
That is the only way you are guaranteed the contract pricing.
Yes, all resellers participating in this bid will have ways for you to track your orders.
See the ordering instructions for more information.
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If your product is damaged or is malfunctioning when you receive it, call the reseller from which you purchased it and ask about the warranty.
These contract prices are usually effective from January 1 to December 31 of the current bid year. You can order anytime during this time period.
Absolutely not. The products on this bid have been through a selection process by an evaluation committee of district technology directors, AV specialists, and other technology staff, and have been determined to meet specific criteria for most classrooms. However, the DigitalEdge also recognizes that districts make their own purchasing decisions, based on their specific criteria. While the hard work of comparing and selecting quality products has already been completed for this bid, districts should feel free to purchase products of their choice, from the resellers that they choose.
To receive bid information, or receive DigitalEdge e-mail, please send an e-mail message to digitaledge@esd112.org, or call 360-750-7505 and ask for the DigitalEdge office.
PH: 360.750.7500 x388 > FAX: 360.696.3099
© Educational Service District 112, 2007. All rights reserved.
Educational Service District 112 is one of nine statutory regional service agencies in the state of Washington. Washington's ESDs are non-profit public entities.
