The FBI is investigating the Los Angeles Unified School District after questions were raised about its superintendent’s communications with Apple prior to awarding a billion-dollar contract for student iPads. Not disclosing a prior relationship to a vendor could lead to wire or mail fraud charges.
Dick Spotswood, in his Nov. 19 IJ column, revealed that the Marin County Department of Public Works had already inked a contract “with Motorola Solutions in the amount of $1,253,507 to provide an upgraded master site controller” prior to the passage of Measure A, although its proponents “promised open-source competitive bidding for the purchase of the new $46 million (plus $26 million in debt service) 700 MHz radio network.”
Across the country, “government officials have handed (Motorola) noncompetitive contracts, used modifications of years-old contracts to acquire new systems or crafted bid specifications to Motorola’s advantage” according to McClatchy Newspapers.
It seems that the camel’s nose is already in the tent and is being stroked by our government officials.
Alex Easton-Brown, Lagunitas
