Massachusetts Law May Block
Universal Service Grants
A law designed to combat corruption in the awarding of construction contracts for public buildings may prevent Massachusetts schools and libraries from applying in time to receive universal service telecommunications discounts.
The law requires separate bidding processes for design, construction, and subcontracting work reported the Boston Globe December 29. Applications for the discounts--which must include contracts for installation work--received during the first 60-75 days will be given first priority.
"There's no question that if the schools have to go through [the law] they are virtually assured they will not be able to meet the 75-day window," Greg Nadeau, chief technology officer for the state Department of Education, told the Globe.
The newspaper said officials were drafting legislation to waive some of the bidding requirements.
Posted January 5, 1998.
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