States of Opportunities

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Division of Telecommunications, plans to procure a telecommunications network. The request for proposals is expected to be released in September.

Currently, the statewide network consists of voice, private line data and a state frame relay/ATM network. Services for the new network contract will include a statewide video and data network with point-to-point service, frame relay, ATM, IP-based services, DSL, Internet and other appropriate services.

The Wisconsin Educational Communications Board plans to procure an interconnect system for the network of television and radio stations. A consultant study, expected to last from March 27 to June 30, will precede this solicitation. Requests for proposals and for bids will be based on the recommendations.

The communications board seeks an efficient interconnect architecture via the lease or purchase of a statewide broadcast interconnection system and associated facilities. The system would have scalable, two-way capabilities and use fiber, satellite and microwave technologies for distribution.

The Minnesota Department of Administration, Materials Management Division, plans to procure Group Purchasing Organization Pharmaceutical Contract Management Software for the Minnesota Multistate Contracting Alliance for Pharmacy. The request for proposals is expected to be released before May. The contract will run from June 1, 2000, to May 30, 2005. The software must be operable on Windows NT 4.0 Backoffice server platform, and have capabilities that include comprehensive contract management, vendor management features, full bid cycle support and an Internet Web site.

The Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Office of Information Technology, has released a solicitation for a statewide technology services procurement. Proposals are due April 14. The contract is tentatively scheduled to be awarded June 21.


Approximately 30 contracts are expected to result from this procurement. The scope of this contract encompasses eight primary functional areas: enterprise service provider, electronic commerce and electronic data interchange support, electronic document management, geographical information systems, software engineering, systems and facilities management and maintenance, information system security support services and application service provider.

These opportunities are compiled by Federal Sources Inc., a market research firm in McLean, Va. (www.fedsources.com)