National Joint Powers Alliance Awards E-rate Contract to CDW-G

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 06/20/12

A large buying organization that serves education and government agencies has signed a deal with CDW-Government to simplify the process of purchasing technology and professional services that qualify for E-rate discounts. The National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), which has 40,000 member agencies, said the contract will enable its public school, public library, and Head Start program members to purchase E-rate-eligible technology, including professional services for delivery and installation, directly from CDW-G.

E-rate is a federal program under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission to help schools and libraries fund the acquisition and deployment of telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal data communications. In the latest fiscal year $2.25 billion was allocated through E-rate.

This isn't the first purchase agreement between the two organizations. In December 2010, NJPA announced a contract with CDW-G for computer technology, equipment, and supplies for all members. The latest agreement, however, had to adhere to the bidding guidelines set forth by the Universal Service Administrative Company, which manages the E-rate program. In a statement, NJPA said its first such national E-rate contract went to CDW-G based on the company's experience with E-rate and its "ability to provide quality telecommunications services, internal connections and Internet connectivity at a competitive price."

"Through this contract, NJPA members will benefit from CDW-G's experience and success with the E-rate process, its key manufacturer relationships and its ability to provide quality telecommunications services, internal connections and Internet connectivity at a competitive price," said Mike Hajek, NJPA's director of contracts & marketing.

"Now, because NJPA is providing the bid and award on behalf of its E-rate-eligible membership, members can save significant time and resources that they would otherwise devote to the bidding and award process, from writing and reviewing bids to finalizing contracts," added Julie Smith, vice president of K-12 education for CDW-G.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • a cloud, an AI chip, and a padlock interconnected by circuit-like lines

    CrowdStrike Report: Attackers Increasingly Targeting Cloud, AI Systems

    According to the 2025 Threat Hunting Report from CrowdStrike, adversaries are not just using AI to supercharge attacks — they are actively targeting the AI systems organizations deploy in production. Combined with a surge in cloud exploitation, this shift marks a significant change in the threat landscape for enterprises.

  • student reading a book with a brain, a protective hand, a computer monitor showing education icons, gears, and leaves

    4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation in Education

    Researchers at the University of Kansas Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning (CIDDL) have published a new framework for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence at all levels of education, from preschool through higher education.

  • figures sitting around a round table, discussing over an open book, papers, and glasses

    Alliance for Learning Innovation, Digital Promise Form National Education R&D Advisory Committee

    The Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) and Digital Promise are bringing together a coalition of education leaders to help develop a national education research and development agenda and foster innovation in schools and districts across the country.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.