ETSC: 2005 Instructional Technology Bid -
Selection of Products
How were these products selected?
The ESD 112 Educational Technology Support Center sponsored a shootout of instructional technology products in early winter of 2005, and several technology directors from Washington school districts volunteered to serve on the evaluation and selection teams. They put several like products up against each other, and put them through a rigorous comparison process, evaluating key features, ease of use, durability, expandability, warranties, and cost. They rated each product, and came to consensus on the X430W ir top choice of products in each category, based on the best value for the dollar.
The instructional technology evaluation teams felt that one model would not sufficiently meet the needs of Washington ’s school districts.
- Entry-level projector for classrooms:
Hitachi CP-RS55 Projector (SVGA, 1500 lumens, 1 VGA input)
This projector would meet the needs of schools and districts whose funds were too limited to purchase the recommended model for classrooms. - Recommended projector for classrooms:
Hitachi CP-S335 Projector (SVGA, 2000 lumens, 2 VGA inputs)
This was the recommended projector solution for most classrooms, based on all criteria used.
- Entry-level XGA projector for higher-end presentations:
Hitachi CP-X345 Projector (XGA, 2000 lumens, 2 VGA inputs)
This was selected as a low-cost projector for more professional presentations. Some schools or districts may also choose to use this projector for their classrooms.
- Recommended XGA projector for higher-end presentations:
Hitachi CP-X430 Projector (XGA, 2500 lumens, 2 VGA inputs)
This projector has the features, brightness and resolution needed for higher-end presentations to larger groups and professional audiences.
How do I know which document camera to purchase for my schools?
- For general classroom use:
The evaluation committee selected the AverVision 300i document camera as the recommended solution for most classrooms. It is both a digital and analog document camera, so it can be connected to video monitors, televisions, LCD/DLP projectors, and VGA monitors. Its list of rich features and low price point make it an ideal presentation technology for instructional purposes.
- For videoconferencing:
The Lumens PS550 document camera is a more professional and durable solution for videoconferencing, and has some of the key features required for connecting to the K-20 videoconference equipment used in Washington. It was recommended by a group of ESD Video ITU’s. (It can also be used well in classrooms, too, if budgets allow.)
How do I know which whiteboard technology to purchase for my schools?
- Existing Whiteboard Technology:
If your district is ramping up with interactive whiteboard technology, you should probably consider which solution already exists in your district. Do you already have a number of boards in your district? If so, what are they? Are they being used successfully? Why or why not? If they are, would it make sense to standardize with that solution?
- Budget Considerations:
Sometimes, the technology budget will drive this decision. Some boards are more expensive than others, but offer different features and options. Some are more expandable than others, and can be converted into wireless solutions. More options equal more dollars, but often result in a better solution.
- Specific Technology Solutions:
Wall mounted vs. mobile boards...boards vs. wireless slates...boards vs. panels...size of room...type of presenter... These are all things that need to be considered when choosing interactive presentation technology. Again, the best thing to do is to talk to other organizations that have deployed interactive whiteboard technology and get their input. In addition, feel free to call the resellers who can assist you, too.
- Call for a Demonstration:
All of the resellers that have been awarded contracts for the interactive whiteboard technologies are ready and willing to come out and do a demonstration of their products.
How do I select the videoconference solution that is best for my school or district?
After determining the most common audience it will serve, its intended purpose, and the size of room, then you can call video ITU at your regional Educational Service District, or you can call Shawn Fernandez at Solutionz Videoconferencing at 503-625-0810 (Direct) or 503-476-5407 (Cell).
Is there an advantage to ordering bundles?
If you are going to order several things to “go together” or “work together,” there may be an additional discount by ordering a bundle. We have put some of the more popular bundles together for you, such as:
- Projectors and lamps
- Projectors and document cameras
- Wireless whiteboard bundles
- Videoconference bundles
- Microscope bundles
While we don’t have a bundle for everything, it is worth checking out the bundles that are on this bid.
Eligibility
How do I know if my school district is eligible to purchase off these contracts?
If your educational organization is in the state of Washington and is a public or private K-12 school, college or university, state school, educational service district or OSPI, you are eligible to purchase off these contracts.
Can I make a personal purchase off these contracts?
These contracts are intended to be used by non-profit educational institutions only. However, please check with each reseller to get their final answer.
Can county, state and federal agencies purchase off these contracts?
Unfortunately, no.
Was my school named in the Call for Bids?
The call for bids was written on behalf of all K-20 schools, colleges and universities, state schools, educational service districts and OSPI in the state of Washington. According to the Washington 's Attorney General's office, they do not need to be listed individually.
We cannot purchase off this bid unless the Call for Bids was advertised in a publication that is circulated in my local community. In what publications did the Call for Bids appear?
The Call for Bids appeared 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. In addition, the Call for bids was published on the ESD 112 web site at http://edtech.esd112.org/bids. This meets the requirements of Washington bid law.
- Download the first Call to Bids (released January 22, 2005 ).
- Download the bid specs for the first Call to Bids.
- Download the SDJ and the PDJ documents for the first Call to Bids.
- Download the second Call to Bids (released February 26, 2005 ).
- Download the bid specs for the second Call to Bids.
- Download the SDJ and the PDJ documents for the second Call to Bids.
What does my school or district have to do to prepare to order off these contracts?
Your school district must sign a new InterLocal Agreement with ESD 112, even if you have ordered off of previous bids. Contact Nellie McCullough-Witt at (360) 750-7505 or e-mail her at nellie.mccullough-witt@esd112 to get this process started. The InterLocal Agreement must be filed with your County Auditor ’s Office.
What if our district signed an Interlocal Agreement when we took advantage of the multimedia bid last year?
This is a new contract, and your district must sign a new Interlocal Agreement.
What if I didn't tell ESD 112 beforehand that my school wanted to purchase off this bid -- can we still order?
Absolutely!
Purchasing
Since the ESD 112 Educational Technology Support Center administrates this bid, do I order the desired items from ESD 112?
No. Order the products directly from the vendors, as per the instructions on the <Bids web page>.
Is there a limit to the number of items that we can purchase?
Purchase as many units of each item that you need.
Do we have to reference the contract numbers on the purchase orders we send to the vendors?
That is the only way you are guaranteed the contract pricing. Again, see the <Bids web page>.
Will I be able to track the progress of my orders?
Yes, all resellers participating in this bid will have ways for you to track your orders. See the <Bids web page> for more information.
Other Questions
What if I am unhappy with my product?
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.
In order to get these contract prices, when does my order have to be in?
These contract prices are effective from February 18, 2005 to August 31, 2005. You can order anytime during this time period.
Will these contracts continue past August 31 or be repeated after August 31?
This depends on what happens to the pricing of these products in the normal markets. If prices begin coming down on or before August 31, 2005 , the products will most likely go back out to bid. If pricing remains stable during this bid period, the vendor and manufacturers may choose to extend the duration of these contracts beyond August 31.
Does ESD 112 or the Washington Educational Technology Support Centers require my organization to purchase products off this bid?
Absolutely not. The products on this bid have been through a selection process by an evaluation committee of district technology directors, and have been determined to meet specific criteria for most classrooms. However, ESD 112 and the Washington Educational Technology Support Centers also recognize 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.