In a landmark move expected to save millions of taxpayer dollars and spark local economic growth, Public Technology, Inc. (PTI), has selected Compaq Computer Corporation for the National Computer and Telecommunications Technology Contract that will offer a full line of personal computers, servers, and local service and support options to an estimated 83,000 local governments and state agencies across the nation.

The three-year contract is the result of a bid process designed to fulfill government procurement requirements and eliminate the need for jurisdictions to individually solicit competitive bids. While offering city, county, and state governments, and schools quality technology at value prices, the contract provides for a local service and support program.

Government and education customers will enjoy the attractive pricing made possible by PTI's aggregate purchase negotiations and the convenience of local service and support with the additional benefit of stimulating the economic growth in their own communities.

"PTI set out to find the most cost-effective way to bring computer products to the government entity," said PTI President Costis Toregas. "The result is a streamlined procurement process and excellent product pricing. We are very proud of the accomplishment on behalf of jurisdictions across the country."

Don Weatherson, Compaq vice president, government and education, noted that the times are challenging local and state entities to meet growing constituent needs with dwindling resources. "It is increasingly clear that localities must do more with less," said Weatherson, "and we have hundreds of state and local customers who have used technology to improve their own operations. The National Computer and Telecommunications Technology Contract will help provide customers an easy way to access the computer products they need to do the job better."

After reviewing proposals from national hardware vendors, PTI chose Compaq for its value and ability to provide excellent local service and support. PTI's Urban Consortium Telecommunications and Information Task Force, whose members include technology experts from local governments, oversaw the proposal and evaluation process.

Orders for Compaq products can be placed through the PTI contract by calling 1-800-950-4PTI. PTI expects to announce agreements with two other top vendors under the National Computer and Telecommunications Technology Contract. These agreements will cover software and telecommunications products.

PTI is the non-profit technology organization of the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, and the International City/County Management Association. Through collaborative research by its member jurisdictions, PTI creates and advances technology-based products, services and enterprises in cities and counties nationwide.

August 1995 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23