Procurement

The purchase of technological devices and services, including hardware, software, and Web-based applications, should be implemented around the division’s technology plan. Choosing hardware or a software application without consideration of the division’s infrastructure, support, available bandwidth, or goals for integration may lead to inoperability or cause undue strain on the instructional technology system. Procurement should be an important piece of the technology plan. Widely available hardware solutions with powerful components will increase the useful lifetime of devices. Network hardware and workstations should be procured from major providers that use commercial-grade components with lower failure rates and that ensure compatibility with existing systems. Over time, a consistent product base can reduce administrative and support costs significantly, but do not exclude products that may provide the best computing solutions. Extended on-site warranty options (one-to-three years) should also be considered when selecting vendors. School divisions can purchase technology equipment from the state procurement contracts on the VITA Supply Chain Management Web page at http://www.vita.virginia.gov/procurement/contractSearch.cfm?mode=keyword.