The Office of Public Instruction provides this list as information only and does not endorse any product or services listed.
Montana's Surplus Computer Program
The program collects computer equipment from state and federal sources as well as private donations. The equipment is stored in a warehouse in Helena and distributed to Montana public K-12 schools at no cost to the schools. The equipment is operational but computers typically do not have operating systems as all data is removed from computers for security purposes. Schools are responsible for traveling to Helena at their cost to take possession of the equipment. Equipment cannot be reserved as there is not sufficient space in the storage facility to hold equipment. The inventory of surplus equipment varies from day to day depending on what OPI has received from other agencies and the number of schools visiting. The program maintains a waiting list of schools interested in equipment and schools will be contacted regarding their eligibility for equipment or broadcasts will be made regarding equipment availability on Office of Public Instruction official e-mail.
Schools must have an appointment prior to traveling to Helena to pick up equipment. The School Computer Equipment program is staffed part time and our employee is often out collecting equipment for the program and is not available to meet schools during those times. To contact the program we ask that you please use e-mail to seek information, to put your schools name on a waiting list, or to check the availability of equipment. Reservations will be made on electronic mail for schools wishing to visit the warehouse.
Contact Scott Buswell via e-mail at sbuswell@mt.gov. Please provide your name, school district, school and a phone number where you can be reached.
Contact Information
Scott Buswell - sbuswell@mt.gov
1450 Hiawatha Street, Helena, MT
Normal Hours: Tuesday - Friday - 8:00-12:00
An appointment is necessary.
Appointments can be set up outside of normal working hours
Directions
Two blocks west of the Red Roof RB Café on Euclid Avenue (headed west out of Helena toward Missoula) take a right hand turn on Hiawatha Street. Go down 1.5 blocks and look for a light blue warehouse with dark blue trim.
Resources
Brochure for the Montana Surplus Computer Program
Training
MindLeaders
Contact Information
Kristin Kutz
www.mindleaders.com
Phone: 800-223-3732 ext 1737
Fax: (614) 880-1738
On-Line Training
MindLeaders was founded in 1981 as a developer of custom Computer Based Training. Since then, MindLeaders has evolved into a world leader in the information systems training market with an extensive library of top-quality, interactive, self-paced ready to use e-learning solutions. They currently offer over 1,000 courses on topics ranging from MCSE Certification Paths, Mainframe and Web Development to Desktop Applications and Business Skills Development Videos. Courses are available to K-12 staff and students throughout Montana. Call Kristin Kutz and sign up today.
Vist MindLeaders' Course Catalog.
To evaluate a course, please visit www.MindLeaders.com.
Voice Services
Contact Information
Linda Kirkland
Information Technology Services Division
lkirkland@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-1354
We are pleased to inform you that the State of Montana Information Technology Services Division has renewed its contract with Sprint to provide a full suite of long distance and voice services. Montana public schools are allowed to purchase long distance service through the State of Montana's contract.
Please refer to the PDF link for detailed information on services and pricing available on Contract # 02-003.
To take advantage of the competitive pricing on these services, contact Linda Kirkland to complete a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the State.
Linda Kirkland
Information Technology Services Division
State of Montana
406-444-1354
lkirkland@mt.gov
For additional information on services and pricing or to place an order, contact Sprint Representative Kathy Geiger via toll free number or email.
Kathy Geiger
Sprint Nextel - Account Manager
(877) 773-3993
kathie.s.geiger@sprint.com
We look forward to providing assistance with your long distance communications needs!
State Purchasing
It's a little known fact that Montana school districts can purchase products from asphalt to wireless communication equipment from the Montana Cooperative Term Contract list
(Note: Microsoft purchasing for schools is much lower than the state government price).
School districts must have a letter of agreement on file with the department of Administration. This agreement must be signed by a local government official and returned to:
Cooperative Purchasing
Property and Supply Bureau
PO Box 200137
Helena MT 59620-0137
There is no dollar limit. The bidding has been done up front for you by the Department of Administration. Schools may also purchase office supplies from the Montana's Central Stores through the cooperative purchasing agreement.
As of October 21, 2001, School districts don't have to bid anything under $25,000. Items outside of the State Term Contract that exceed $25,000 must have at least three written bids.
